History of the military canteen

UC-NRLF

OF TOE

UNIVE] SITY

OF

HISTORY

OF THE

MILITARY CANTEEN

BY

LIEUT. -COL. PHILIP READE
Inspector General U. S. V.

(Major 4th U. S. Infantrv)

Published by authority of

THE HON., THE SECRETARY OF WAR

/ j publication permitted by the Secretary of War of reports
made to the Inspector General of the Army, during the months of Sep-
tember, October, and November, 1900, by Lieut. -Colonel Philip Reade^
Inspector General, U. S. V., (Majot 4th Jj. S. Infantry), regarding the
Regulation Canteen and other canteens presented for trial with reference
to their fitness for use in the military service.

PRINTED BY ^ COPYRIGHT,

C. J. BURROUGHS, I9 oi.

CHICAGO. B y PHILIP READE.

REPORT UPON ARMY CANTEENS

LIEUT. COL. PHILIP READE, I. G., U. S. V.,

(MAJOR 4TH u. s. INFANTRY)
Inspector General, Department of Dakota.

At the beginning of the last century, and for some years after,
the soldier's canteen was a wooden, drum-shaped affair, provided
with a nozzle. (See cut p. 120.)

To now return to that shape and adopt a hollow cylinder, modeled
after a drum for packing figs in, would be an advance backwards.

The history of mankind is the history of the development of
weapons and equipment for war by improvements, in which one
nation has overcome another and survived.

Within a few months from now our military organization will
have been readjusted. The arms and equipments to be necessitated
by the increase in numbers of our permanent military establishment
should be new and not of the nineteenth century pattern.

P>y July, 1901, perhaps 60,000 canteens now carried by, or in the
possession of, United States Volunteers and Regulars will have been
turned in. Some of these canteens wall be suspended by the returned
volunteers beside the obsolete muzzle-loading firearms of the civil war
period, and some may find their way into the museums for the col-
lection and display of archaic military weapons and equipments.

From being an inconsequential article of a soldier's personal
equipment the canteen has become, in fact, one of the most impor-
tant articles, because connected with hygienic considerations; in
other words, because it carries water and because the majority of
our troops are in localities where good water is of prime considera-
tion to health.

Those who live a comparatively fixed life can hardly weigh
aright the importance of a good canteen.

Since the microbe or germ theory has come into the discussion of
hygienic conditions, we have learned why it is that bad water is the
most dangerous liquid one can drink ; that the denizen of places fitted
with filtering devices, sterilizing appliances, faucets, hydrants, water
valves, pipes, aqueducts, cooling refrigerators, icehouses, etc., can

3

4 HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

guard against micro-organisms and temper the water to suit his
palate; the soldier can not so guard himself in the field or on cam-
paign, or on the march.

If the former could only get water by journeying to the town
pump, or well having a pole, or piece of timber, moved on a fulcrum
or post, used to raise and lower a bucket in the well for laboriously
drawing water by hand, he would feel it an 'annoying hardship. We
have relegated the well-sweep, but hung on to the canteen of con-
temporaneous antiquity.

People who always live in houses and sleep in beds and walk on
pavements and ride in street cars, and who get their food from butch-
ers, bakers, grocers, or restaurants, and who always have access to
unlimited quantities of good water, don't appreciate they can't
appreciate water, because it is as free as air.

The circumstances of their existence are too mathematical and
secure. They are boarders in this world. Everything is done for
them by somebody else. They live at second or third hand. They
get their excitement out of the newspapers. If the weather is bad,
they are snugly housed. If it is cold, there is a furnace in the cellar.
If they are hungry, the shops are neaf at hand. They might as well
be brought up in an incubator.

But where man abides in the fields, after the manner of soldiers
in campaign, he learns that his best friends are his arms, his blanket,
and his rations ; the last named are not any more important than his
filled canteen.

Napoleon said: "There are five things from which the soldier
must never be separated his gun, his cartridges, his knapsack, his
provisions for at least four days, and his pioneer tool. Let the knap-
sack be reduced to the smallest size ; let him carry in it a shirt, a pair
of shoes, a stock, a handkerchief, a tinder box, but let him have it
always with him, for, once separated from him, it never returns."

It is submitted that a man will retain things for the preservation
of his own life longer than he will retain things for the taking of
life. Hence he will hold on to his provisions longer than he will
retain implements, such as his gun, cartridges, knapsack, pioneer
tool, or even his "stock." In other words, the soldier will include
his canteen as one of his best friends. He is never prodigal with his
water when inured to war experiences. City dwellers who know
that there is always plenty more in the pipes do not appreciate this
last fact.

A soldier in barracks, with water closets and baths, requires 25
gallons of water per day. Without water closets and baths he

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

6 HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

requires 10 gallons of water per day. In stationary camps, 5 gallons
per head for all purposes is required.

A soldier requires on the inarch, for drinking and cooking, 6
pints a day, increased in a hot climate to 8 pints, and an equal amount
for washing the person.

The foregoing are the lowest figures. The hygienic preparations
for a campaign, either for the foot or mounted soldier, include a con-
sideration of many rules and precautions that are unavoidably broken
or impaired by war, but the three requisites of a camping grounds
are water, fuel and forage.

Bad water is the most dangerous liquid one can drink.

The soldier is not dressed or outfitted in obedience to caprices of
fashion, but in accordance with the rules of hygiene.

All camping grounds are not near to running streams, or water.
Marches must be limited to the human strength and necessities, both
as regards travel and rest, rations and water.

During the period immediately following the capitulation oi
Santiago, July, 1898, the Fifth Army Corps obtained its water from
the San Juan river, less than a mile away, by means of canteens.
Stalwart, fever-stricken men went thirsty because they shrank from
the physical exertion involved in walking down a hill a few hundred
yards and then stagger back with a load of filled canteens. Aching
heads and flushing faces were relieved by water, but the fluid appli-
cation was a costly one.

Soldiers, insane from heat, exhaustion and fatigue, reeled into
any kind of shelter and would there lie prostrate and gasp, their
canteens by their side empty. Sights like these> and personal
deprivation, quicken one's conception and appreciation.

General Viscount Wolseley in his "Soldier's Pocket Book for
Field Service," edition 1886, includes in the list of articles to be worn
on the person a drinking cup and water bottle. He says : "The best
water bottles are those made of ebonite and covered with felt. Those
holding a little less than i Yz pints weigh, when empty, 13^ ounces ;
when full, 2 pounds 3^ ounces. Our regulation water bottle, that is
of wood, holds i and 1-3 pints; weighs when empty, i pound and
? ounce; when full, 2 pounds 10 ounces. Leather water bottle
used in Nile expedition, weighs 2 pounds. Moving across a desert,
the first and greatest difficulty is water. You must provide for the
carriage of at least i gallon per man per diem, with a surplus of
spare water of 25 per cent, or whatever your calculation amounts to.
In calculating the quantity of water required per man for drinking
and cooking, it may be put down as six pints in temperate, and eight

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN. 7

pints in tropical climates. On desert journeys in summer, when
hot winds blow, a man requires two gallons a day, but in autumn
or winter three pints a day are sufficient."

At Tientsin, China, July 13, 1900, where Col. Emerson H. Lis-
cum, ninth infantry, was killed, Lieutenant Abraham Loeb reports
that the regiment lay all day in salt water, mud up to their waists,
under a hot sun. "Water gave out," he states, "and the men in their
frenzied attempts to quench their burning thirst, would drink that
dirty salt water, supplying it in short mouth fuls, as it eddied about
their forms."

Regarding the lack of water at Tientsin, the New York Sun's
correspondent reports : "One thing this day should teach the Ameri-
can army, one little thing of great importance. I have seen six
different breeds of man go into battle today. Every one of them
except the American had some contrivance for getting extra water
% to the field. It has been a fearfully hot day and the men have suf-
fered greatly for water. Our men are notoriously prodigal of the
contents of their canteens. They hadn't been on the line two hours
before they were running out, and the cry went up for more. But
there was no way to get more. The British, French, and Japanese
had their donkey carts or mules packed with breakers, but the
Americans had nothing and their men had to suffer and stand it
as best they could. It is no very great reform to make, but it counts
afield."

Major William I). Beach, Inspector General U. S. V., (Captain
3d U. S. Cavalry), Inspector General Dept. of Southern Luzon, P.
I., states that "officers and some old soldiers will make their can-
teens of water last for twenty-four hours if necessary, or else go
without ; but the average soldier can not be made to do it, and sick-
ness results."

It is an axiom in our service to never start on a march or field
exercise without filling all canteens. Company commanders inspect
before starting to see that this essential is complied with by all.

The importance of the canteen as an article of the soldier's
equipment in the field cannot be overestimated. Its value in garrison
is not generally appreciated, because of the ease with which water
can be obtained.

A canteen is defined by Webster as being a vessel used by sol-
diers for carrying liquors, water or other drink.

In the English service the canteen has been made of wood and
held three pints. In the United States it is a tin flask.

Col. H. L. Scott, in his Military Dictionary of 1864, defines a can-

8 HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

teen as a small tin, caoutchouc, or circular wooden vessel, used by
soldiers to carry liquor, etc.

Captain Thomas Wilhelm, in his Military Dictionary, 1881, says
that a canteen is a tin vessel used by soldiers to carry water on the
march, or in the field. It is usually suspended by a strap from the
shoulder. In the British service the canteen, he says, is made of
wood and is called a water bottle.

Worcester in his dictionary defines the canteen as a small tin or
circular wooden vessel which each soldier carries and uses for
water.

Chambers' Encyclopedia, edition of 1879, defines canteen as the
name given to a vessel used by soldiers to contain whatever beverage
may be obtainable on the march or in the field, made sometimes of
tin, sometimes of wood. In the British army, the canteen is a
wooden vessel holding about three pints, painted blue, and inscribed
with the number, or designation of the regiment, battalion and com-
pany to which the soldier belongs.

The following are stated to be the specifications for the regula-
tion U. S. Army canteen, viz. :

Made of XXXX tin, circular in shape, 7J inches in diameter, sides
oval and smooth ; thickness through, three inches, with a triangular
wire loop T soldered on each side to tin loop ; mouthpiece with a
rim ; cork capped with tin ; iron wire stem riveted through cork and
attached to canteen by a brass chain three inches long, with a ring
closed on mouthpiece. Covered first with gray "Petersham," and
afterwards with drab duck. The weight of the complete canteen
is 12.6 ounces; of the canteen haversack strap, as used by the in-
fantry, 6.3 ounces, and of the cavalry canteen strap, 3 ounces.

The Commandant, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, (Major S. E.
Blunt, Ord. Dept.) furnishes the following information in regard
to the manufacture of canteens at that arsenal : "The present regu-
lation canteen is made up of sheet tin ; the two halves of the can-
teen being formed under presses, soldered together and separate
mouthpiece soldered thereto, the triangles for the strap soldered on,
and then the canteen covered, first with felt and then with dyed
duck of the same material as used for the haversack. After this
the cork and chain are added. Inspections are made at each different
stage of manufacture and when finally completed before the canteens
are packed and transferred to store. The only 'test' made during
manufacture is to determine whether the soldering is complete. This
is accomplished by placing the nozzle of an air compresser into the
mouth of the canteen, plunging the canteen under water, and then

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN. C)

forcing air into it. If there are any leaks they will be discovered by
air bubbling in^the water. If leaks are found the canteen is resoldered
and again tested."

In the matter of canteens we have not kept pace with other na-
tions nor yet with the development and improvements made by in-
ventors and industrial establishments in the United States, and which
have been made evident by the open air tests made by me and here-
inafter described.

The canteen now and for many years issued by the Ordnance
Department, is a poor affair, inconsistent with the improvements
made in other articles of the soldier's equipment issued by the same
department.

I have found, in the possession of the ist Cavalry or of the
8th Infantry, canteens made of X tin, of XX tin, and of XXX tin.
Owing to this lack of uniformity in material, difference in weight
and of durability exists.

Some of the army canteens vary in capacity four or more ounces,
the minimum being 42 fluid ounces.

Difference exists, also in the weight, thickness and quality of the
felt superimposed upon the flask. These variations are visible to the
eye and have been further proven by immersion in water and by
flame tests.

The present service canteen is defective because it will not pre-
serve fluid at a palatable temperature, in either very high or very
low temperatures. A cause of this defect is that the tin flask is not
covered by enough non-conducting material, viz., good, thick, all-
wool felt.

First Lieutenant F. L. Knudson, 8th Infantry, a soldier of nearly
twelve years' experience in infantry service, says: 'The canteen
at present issued to the army is very poor. Its shape is such that
it is inconvenient to carry, and its covering not sufficiently thick
to keep the water cool. The stopper should be fashioned by having
its chain secured on the inside of the canteen, because the present
method of fastening it is not solid enough and causes the chain to slip
off the neck of the canteen and the stoppers are very often lost. The
canteen should be made of material that will not rust."

Captain F. H. Sargent, 8th Infantry, says: "Noticed defect in
canteen, which should be of such shape as to fit close to the body and
should be covered with a good felt, much thicker than the cover now
in use, which is of poor material, shoddy and thin."

Captain W. H. Hart, Brigade Quartermaster, N. G. S. Minnc-

10

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

*r

&er. Aluminum

covered by the /<?/?z met bod, % in. felt
te cam/as cover:
/ AvoircUtjxiA ox

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN. II

sota, writes : "The Government canteen cover is of flimsy material
and cannot absorb nearly as much water as a canteen cover of fine
piano all wool felt."

Not to change and improve the present army canteen is to run
counter to the workings of what clearly is the trend of development
in the higher walks of business, science and the profession of arms in
other countries.

The service canteen should be a combination of a flask to con-
tain fluids, provided with a cover to keep the contents of the flask at
a palatable temperature ; that is, a condition with respect to heat or
cold in zones, localities or temperatures other than ordinarily preva-
lent in the temperate zone.

It seems hardly necessary to dwell upon the fact that a canteen
flask and its coverings must be separately, as well as unitedly, con-
sidered.

The canteen, per se, is a flask to contain forty-eight or more fluid
ounces cf water. It is in no wise responsible for the failure
of its cover to protect its contents adequately from extreme varia-
tions of temperature. The flask should be so made, or of such ma-
terial, as to resist such treatment as a soldier might give it during a
campaign, or the march, or in the field.

RESPECTS IN WHICH THE CARE AND STORAGE OF WATER IN A CAN-
TEEN RESEMBLE STORAGE METHODS OF TRANSPORTA-
TION OF FOOD PRODUCTS.

It is not inappropriate to consider water as a food product, and,
in hot weather, the canteen as a cold storage house. When the tem-
perature ranges above 90 degrees, it is injurious to water as a food
product.

The Subsistence Department, U. S. Army, has to consider tem-
peratures injurious to food products in storage or transportation, and
methods of protection from the same.

It is claimed that water is perishable when congealed, or when
so hot as to be nauseating. It is also unfit for human consumption
when unsanitary from any cause. Protection from excessive heat
or cold is as necessary for drinking water as for fruits, vegetables,
dairy products, milk, green meats, poultry, game, fish, oysters, clams,
malt and hop liquors, wet, canned or bottled groceries, ink, mucilage,
proprietary medicines, mineral waters and drugs having water, in-
stead of alcohol, as a base.

Hence, in the construction of a canteen and its components, also
in the transportation by the soldier of its perishable contents, primal
objects to be attained are :

12 HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

1. The protection of the contents from frost or excessive cold.

2. The protection of the same from excessive heat.

The temperatures at which drinking waters are liable to damage
vary according to their condition when canteened, length of expos-
ure, whether kept continually in motion, etc.

The degrees of cold to which drinking fluids within canteens
may be subjected without becoming impaired depends upon the time
of exposure, whether allowed to stand, whether partly emptied, and
the duration of the exposure, as well as the intensity of the cold.

In the transportation and exposure of the fooll products, etc.,
named, concurrence of opinion and method exists as to the modern
methods involving the efficacy of cars, etc., specially built, variably
ventilated, properly lined and contents carefully packed in straw,
hay, oat chaff, moss, sawdust, paper, etc. In the case of the canteen,
the lining is properly represented by the cover, or outer jacket.

Just as in the former case, a factor to be observed is the tempera-
ture of the produce when put into the car, so the temperature of the
fluid or water when the canteen is filled is a factor in determining
the merit of the flask covering. If the fluid has been exposed to a
low temperature for a considerable time before being canteened, it is
in a poor condition to withstan/1 cold, and its original temperature
must be taken into account. It is also certain that even a car load
of produce, like potatoes, will stand a lower temperature when the
car is in motion than when at rest, so it is with a canteen's contents
when jolted.

Cars are classed as ordinary refrigerator cars, salamanders and
extraordinary refrigerator cars of the better class. Canteens may
also be so classed. Some are simply water carriers ; others are so
protected as to assist in the process of refrigerating their fluid con-
tents.

Car loads of fish, etc., are protected by bins built into the car
and thoroughly iced. The modern canteen has its non-conducting
cover built on to the outside of the flask, and in hot weather the fluid
contents of the flask are protected by moistening the absorbent inner
cover.

The relation between the outside air temperature and the tem-
perature within the car varies largely, depending on the kind of car,
whether an ordinary freight or refrigerator car, whether lined or
not, whether standing still or in motion, and also on the weather,
whether windy or calm, warm or cold.

'In shipping long distances in summer, it is necessary to re-ice the
cars.

HISTOKY OF THE .MILITARY CAXTEKX. 13

When the old soldier can, he will, in hot weather, immerse his
corked canteen in water in order to resupply the absorbent inner
cover with moisture and so retard the subsequent evaporation by
keeping- the outer cover tightly laced.

It is important to note that in shipping fruits, etc., many of the
precautions taken in packing to keep out the cold will also keep in
the heat, there being really more danger in some instances from
heating, steaming, cooking, etc., by process of decomposition than
from cold.

In cold weather the knowing old soldier who wants to keep his
canteen full of coffee, tea, etc.,, hot, puts the fluid into the canteen
when it is hot, and he does not wet the felt cover.

Cars containing perishable goods are sometimes, when a south
wind is blowing on the prairie, covered with canvas on the south
side. They are lined, have padded doors, sides are protected by
heavy paper tacked to the walls, also by the addition of an inner
board wall a few inches distant from the outer one; produce sur-
rounded by straw, cars warmed by steam from the locomotive when
in motion, and by stove wdien steam is not available. Lined cars
are lined with tongued and grooved boards on the sides and ends
and bulkheaded. Cars, after being loaded, are carefully inspected
as to temperature within ; their destination considered, etc.

Cars were not thus equipped, packed and constructed, etc., prior
to the construction of our transcontinental railways and cold storage
establishments. Twenty-five years ago shippers used ordinary cars.

The development and evolution of the canteen in the U. S. Army
has not been such as to justify retaining any longer in service the
army canteen now used by our soldiers. The development, improve-
ment and evolution of the service canteen has not kept pace with
the progress of the cold storage cars.

In the modern method of storing water in a canteen, the recom-
mendation is made that a modern canteen be used. That is to say,
one protected by felt instead of "Petersham," having superimposed
an openable canvas cover made of some close woven textile fabric,
the pattern of the cover being such as to facilitate the moistening of
the felt.

The best method of covering for a canteen known to me is the
Lanz method. It does not necessarily quickly produce a low tem-
perature in hot weather, but it keeps the contents of the canteen at
a uniformly palatable temperature better than any other practically
practicable device suited for the military service and personal trans-
portation by the soldier in the open.

14 HISTORY OF Till-: MILITARY CAXTEKX.

Efforts are being constantly made to reduce the load of the foot
soldier to a minimum. lie solves the question for himself in the
field by discarding non-essentials and so enhances his fighting and
marching powers, but retains his canteen whether afoot, mounted or
moving by wagon, transport or train. The canteen is not included
by him in the list of unnecessary impedimenta.

A soldier must have water, and he must have an appliance to
carry water. That canteen is the best canteen which is the most per-
fect non-conductor of heat and cold.

In a report dated January 20, 1899, from Headquarters ist Di-
vision 2d Army Corps, Camp Mackenzie, Augusta, Ga., recommenda-
tion was made that canteens should be covered with felt, or wool,
not bare Canvas.

I now know that a flannel cover, unprotected, over a canteen,
makes evaporation too easy ; that a leather covered canteen stops
evaporation entirely ; that a canvas cover over felt retards evaporation
and gives the best results., viz., palatable water of low temperature
for troops in the field in the summer season, or any season in our
tropical possessions.

It is believed that the function of a canteen is to carry and ef-
fectually preserve the temperature of water, either in hot or cold
weather.

The present U. S. canteen, as issued by the Ordnance Depart-
ment, does not satisfactorily preserve or maintain fluid at a palat-
able temperature in either very high or very low temperatures.

Every question in war should be considered in the aspect of what
soldiers can do, and will do, when fatigued. A veteran soldier knows
the value of a canteen. The three articles that he will hold en to
longest are his rifle, his canteen and his blanket. -If he has no am-
munition for his rifle he may abandon it, but hang on to his canteen
and blanket. He will never part with his canteen. Its value as an
article of equipment is attested to by this fact.

The material used to cover the canteen flask, now in use by the
U. S. Army, is practically useless as a means for preventing the con-
tents of the canteen from becoming frozen in cold weather.

A method of preventing in hot weather the contents from be-
coming unpalatable, by reason of high temperature, is to apply a layer
of non-heat conducting material to the body of the flask, moistening
this material so as to prevent the air from gaining access to the
wetted material, thus retarding the process of evaporation.

A method for effecting the desired end, in cold weather, is above

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN. 1 5

described, except that the layer of non-heat-conductittg material
applied to the body of the flask should not be moistened.

Old soldiers' of the U. S. Army know that a woolen stocking leg
pulled over a canteen helps to keep the contents cool, and they also
know that, in tropical regions, the evaporation is retarded and the
canteen contents thus kept palatable, especially if a dry cotton stock-
ing leg is pulled over the wet woolen one.

The veteran soldier, plainsman, scout or hunter, will, during hot
weather, "dip" his canteen whenever opportunity offers.

The body of the metallic flask used as a canteen should be thor-
oughly covered with all wool felt, or other non-conducting absorbent
fabric, material or substance, or by a combination of such. The
better the felt, the better its absorbent properties, and the better are
the results attained in any open air temperature to which the can-
teen is exposed.

There is a kind of felt, so-called, used for lining horse boots for
wear, for padding saddles "hair felt" it is called. Hair felt is
sometimes wool mixed with hair of goat, ox, hare, rabbit, musquash
and cotton or jute. Saddler's felt may be some wool mixed with
any serrated edged, jagged or notched hair, the barbs of which point
to the tip of the hair.

The piano felt used on one pattern of the Lanz canteen heretofore
mentioned is unwoven, clear, all-wool, and weighs about three (3)
pounds to the square yard. It is of 1-8, 2-8, 3-8, 4-8, etc., thickness,
but the thickness alone does not indicate weight. It can be made of
any reasonable thickness. It is said by piano manufacturers to be
made in different weights, from one (i) to five (5) pounds per
square yard.

Another type of the Lanz canteen is protected by a wool sponge
woven felt fabric ; a new departure, made in Amsterdam, N. Y. Its
efficacy as a canteen flask cover has not yet been fully determined.

Over the non-conducting material on the body of the flask should
be superimposed an openable cover of some close woven textile fabric.
An advantage of the partly openable duck, or canvas, cover, is that it
facilitates moistening of the felt. When the Cover is laced up over
the moistened felt, evaporation is retarded and the contents of the
canteen kept at a palatable temperature for a much longer period of
time than if the present service canteen is used.

It is fully recognized that the determination of the best canteen
should rest upon their use in the field, and not by experimental tests
in the hands of officers not serving with troops. Durability, corro-

i6

HISTORY OF Tin-: .MILITARY CANTEEN.

Pattern of Metallic F/asfc, screw 6o/y,
ly the ar?z Catee* Co.,
fond, around

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN, ij

i

sion, etc., of metal flasks, can be so determined. Facts of this kind
find in the fiekl their best proving ground.

Preparations for war include tests of appliances for war. The
testing mania is overdone when a weary round of experimenting is
done to determine questions that have already been determined by
field use.

Somnolent experimentation is out of place, for example, with the
present canteen, antique a quarter of a century ago. Line officers
who have been stationed in New Mexico, southern California and
Arizona, to say nothing of Cuba and Porto Rico, know that a metal
flask, used as a canteen, should be covered with a non-conducting sub-
stance ; know that thick wool felt should be- substituted for the
"Petersham," or thin stuff, now superimposed upon the flask; know
that this felt should be kept moist in a hot climate, in order to keep
the contents of the flask palatable ; know that this woolen cover
should have an outer cover that will allow, and retard, evaporation.
No "tests" by any board are required to demonstrate these facts.

DESCRIPTION OE THE ARIZONA CANTEEN.

The Arizona canteen, cavalry size, weighs, dry, 4oV>z. ; wet, 82
oz. ; holds 86 oz. It is covered with common saddler's felt, f-inch
thick, over which there is a canvas cover, whose edges through a por-
tion of its circumference are partly laced, instead of being stitched
hence openable. The seams along the edges of the flask are per-
manently stitched from the nozzle in each direction for a few inches.

Originally that is, in May, 1898 the outer covering was com-
posed of several thicknesses of blue flannel. The object of having
an openable canvas cover, laced for a portion of its circumference,
was for the purpose of admitting moisture to the inside felt and to
secure the cooling effect due to retarded evaporation.

The cover is made in four sections, two around the edge or cir-
cumference, the remaining two being applied to each side, or face, of
the flask, all joined by being stitched, except where lacing instead of
stitching, is used on the circumference of the flask.

A similar canteen, having a rigid central support, was carried by
me along the Gila, Colorado and Rio Grande rivers twenty-five years
ago. This particular canteen also accompanied me, when mounted,
in the province of Santiago de Cuba, June- August, 1898, and, later,
in the province of Havana. It was my custom to wet it at sunset,
and suspend the canteen for the night. It kept water at a lower tem-
perature throughout the following day than any other portable appli-
ance known to me.

l8 HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

Complaint is made from the Philippines that the canteens used
there always flatten after much usage, the flattening beginning on
the side which rests against the saddle blanket.

Before the days of railroads in New Mexico, southern Arizona
and California, the canteens carried by us, in summer time, were large
enough to hold about six pints of water. Existence depended, some-
times, upon the contents of a big canteen. They were so large that
flattening was prevented, at the expense of weight, by an inside cen-
tral rigid support, made of the same metal as the flask, which support
was soldered to one-half of the canteen before the halves which con-
stituted the faces were put together.

THE PARKER CANTEEN.

The Parker canteen, like the Pasteur filter, has a tube. The lia-
bility of the filtering tube to- fracture by jolting incident to carnage
and use, prompts an objection to its adoption for military use in the
field. This objection is based on the fragile material from which the
tube is made. The filter tube displaces about its own weight of water
from the filled canteen, thus limiting the supply of fluid which the
canteen would otherwise hold. As water will not normally arise
above its own level, it follows that when the canteen is only half full,
the filter tube is only half full, etc.

These canteens are made of tin, into the composition of which
iron enters. Complaint was made by those of the Seventh U. S.
Cavalry who drank in the province of Havana, the Vento spring
water, or other water of that class, that contact of the fluid with the
canteen was followed by chemical action, oxidation, and that the
water in the canteen became the color of iron rust.

The deposit of oxide in the filter of the Parker canteen closed the
pores and it soon ceased to be a filter. The closed end of the tube
showed then a deep iron rust color and the w r ater became undrink-
able.

The Parker canteen was reported on from Headquarters Depart-
ment of Havana, April 24, 1899, after consultation with officers of the
Second Squadron, Seventh U. S. Cavalry. I have not since been
brought in contact with troops provided with any of the Parker can-
teens.

In my report to the Inspector General, through proper channels,
dated April 27, 1899, inspection Seventh U. S. Cavalry, I outlined
the following undeniable principles, viz. :

1. Filtration has for its object the removal of suspended matter.

2. Organic matters adhere to the surface presented to the fluid
within the flask.

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN. IQ

3. Water passing- slowly through it makes deposits in the inter-
stices.

The Parker canteen has a filter tube inside the flask ; it is attached
to an ordinary cork capped with a cap of hard rubber material having
a removable cap, and a drink is obtained by suction, the fluid percolat-
ing through the filter, which appears to be of infusorial earth or
stone.

The continuance of the action of the Parker filter, or any other
filter is limited.

Soldiers in the field will not find it practicable to clean the Pas-
tuer, Parker, Berkfield or any other kind of filter made of infusorial
earth.

If the Parker filter is not cleaned, it clogs, and soon ceases to be a
filter.

For these reasons, apart from its friable nature, it is the opinion
of Captain Luther R. Hare, Seventh U. S. Cavalry, and of the other
officers of the Seventh U. S. Cavalry, formerly on duty in Cuba, that
the Parker filter does not possess sufficient merit to warrant a further
trial by U. S. troops.

The tube alone weighs eight (8) ounces. The flask weighs six-
teen (16) ounces, holds about 56 ounces, avoirdupois, of water, less
the amount displaced by the filter. The latter is 54 inches long;
diameter, I inch.

Experience is a safe guide. Filters were numerous at the begin-
ning of the civil war, and the volunteers bought filters numerously
at the begining of the Spanish-American war. They were service-
able for a while, but campaign exigencies relegated them to the list of
non-essentials, where plainsmen and old hunters had already placed
them.

The objections to the Parker filter for use in a military canteen,
aside from its weight, clumsiness, etc., are that it is brittle and liable
to fracture, particularly when moist. A crack becomes a structural
imperfection. It cracks easily. Unless cleaned and sterilized fre-
quently, the pores of the filter become filled with organic matter,
which, decomposing, becomes offensive and a good culture bed for
micro-organism.

The objection that, after some use, it will become a breeding
ground for bacilli and germs, is a vital one. .

The Parker filter is not capable of efficiently removing bacteria
and other micro-organisms from \vater. Frequent cleaning by hot
wet, or hot dry, process, is necessary. These processes are not
always practicable by soldiers. Cleaning by brushing will \vear away

2O HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

the bougie or tube. Sucb, in any case, will not cleanse below the
portion touched.

THE ALUMINUM CANTEEN, 60 ox., GERMAN COVER. THE KARLS-
RUHE GERMAN ALUMINUM CANTEEN.

Through the courtesy of Messrs. George and William Lanz, 183
Lake street, Chicago, 111., I have been furnished with two aluminum
canteens, one having a capacity of sixty (60) ounces ; the other forty-
three (43) fluid ounces, both flasks fabricated in Karlsruhe, Baden,
Germany. The large flask has a German-made felt cover no canvas
weight, including carrying strap, fourteen ( 14) ounces. The
medium flask has a Lanz cover, and inner cover of the kind patented
by Mr. Lanz, August 14, 1900; weight, fifteen (15) ounces. Cuts
of the two are shown herewith, (pp. 115, 10.)

These canteens were tested by me in the open air, in conjunction
with others. In the first tests made, each flask was filled to its full
capacity. In the subsequent tests, the amount of water in each was
the same, this in order to equalize conditions as much as possible.

THE DUBUQUE STAMPING AND ENAMEL CANTEEN, WITH THE

PARKER FILTER.

It is understood that this is a naked metal flask, coated inside and
outside with some kind of agate, vitrified, glazed, incrysted, porce-
lained, lava, granite or annealed ware. If it chips like the enameled
agate ware used in furnishing officers' mess chests, its use will be
dangerous if the chips are swallowed. In composition it is under-
stood to resemble the kind of ware commonly used in cooking uten-
sils. This type, viz. : uncovered metal, is merelya thing to carry fluid
in without pretending to keep the fluid at a palatable temperature.

Whatever canteen is adopted, it is essential that the flask be
covered with a non-conducting fabric or substance.

The lower part of the neck, or nozzle, or mouth-piece, of the
Dubuque Enamel canteen forms a right angle with the side-band of
the flask, and so cuts away the filter part of the Parker tube, expos-
ing the center metal rod. This cutting away causes the friable mat-
ter of which the filter is composed to break away from the rod. The
jolting incident to transportation would probably cause it to disinte-
grate, if used in the Dubuque Enamal canteen, owing to the mechani-
cal construction of the neck of the flask.

A dealer in white enamel ware, manufactured in Sweden, states
that that process of enameling is like that pursued in this country in
painting bicycle, frames and then burning on the paint.

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.
Cart V CUir

21

fyTlt votes of ' reforteer

Canteen tnrn

22 HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

He has for sale utensils made of the ware, iron base, white enamel
and says that they will stand the test of fire without fusing ; in fact
that coffee could be boiled in any of the utensils ; but admits that th<
ware will chip, little fragments break off, thus exposing the iron base
rust then sets in, undermining the rest of the glaze, enamel, vitreous
coating or material used to give the metal a porcelain or agate coat
ing. Makers of bath tubs have had the same trouble in making th<
enamel stick to the metal.

The material which enters into the canteen made by the Dubuqiu
Stamping and Enamel Company may be of some such combinatior
ware as the Swedish lacquered or glazed ware. If it is, a proposition
from a would-be contractor to furnish such canteens for military use
would incite the condemnatory sense and sentiment of practical
soldiers.

The Dubuque Enamel canteen is not so good as the present type oi
regulation canteen. Tests have proved its worthlessness, except tc
carry water in. Its shape is about identical with the wood canteen,
or water bottle, contemporaneous with our second war with England.
The modern canteen is not of circular, but of oval, gourd, oblong,
bottle, or flask shape.

THE NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, ALUMINUM CANTEEN FLASK.

The New Jersey Aluminum Company, Newark, N. J., submitted
to me for test three samples of their aluminum canteen flask. ( See
"M," "N" and "O" Test Tables, pp. 64). All are of circular fig-
drum, or cheese-box shape. The mouth-piece appears to be soldered
on; its diameter is considerably less than that of the orifice in the
side piece of the flask, and it is a separate piece of aluminum; the
side-rings are inserted in ears riveted to the flask. Each flask appar-
ently consists of eight pieces, the rivets not being counted, including
the wire loops. The finish is such that no seams are visible. The
firm claims that the flasks are made without the use of solder. They
are not provided with covers or stoppers. One face is flat, perhaps
slightly concave, the other face being convex.

The aluminum canteen flask, made by the Newark, N. J., Alum-
inum Company, and covered by the Lanz method, f-inch felt, and
openable canvas cover (termed in test tables p. 64, canteen "F"),
underwent thirty-four tests by me, on as many different days. It has
on each side a flat piece of the same metal, aluminum, riveted to the
flask. This flat piece is doubled and bent so as to make a loop in
which there turns a bent piece of looped wire, which serves to attach
the hook, or snap, of the canteen strap to. Three rivets are used in

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CAXTEEX. 23

each flat piece ; no soldering visible ; length of rivets unknown. Xo
leakage occurred during any of the tests at the points where rivets
were used.

Eyelets of the outer canvas cover, Lanz method, are reinforced
on the inside by a bit of canvas, folded double. The all-wool felt
used as the inner jacket consists of two pieces, each cut with a beveled
edge in order to give the jacket a snug fit where joined. These pieces
are neatly secured together by stitching of copper or aluminum wire.

This firm writes as follows : We are in receipt of your valued
favor of the I4th instant, together with the enclosure of the various
tests of canteens. We observe that two of ours proved leaky, while
the others bursted. We also take note of the fact that other canteens
fared no better. These tests are indeed valuable to every manu-
facturer of canteens, and you may rest assured that if given another
opportunity we are still in the race. We think that we would know
how to make a canteen, and confess that we think your tests rather
severe. We especially observe your remark of a canteen of the oval
type, concaved on the side which comes next to the body, and convex
on the outer side, to hold 48 fluid ounces. To prove to you that we
can make such canteens (in fact, we have made flasks of just that
particular type), we are forwarding to you one under separate cover,
which, by the way, you need not return if you care to keep it. There
is but one hitch in this particular canteen, that is to fasten the rings
by which the canteen is carried. Just as soon as we attempt to rivet
there it makes the weakest point in the canteen. We may, however,
find some other way to overcome this. We should very much like
to send you one of the requisite size, but as there is considerable
expense connected therewith to produce it, we hesitate until we hear
further from you. You can, of course, readily understand that each
and every manufacturer competing in this matter is desirous of ob-
taining an order with some profit to himself. It is, therefore, we
speak as we do ; we prefer for the present not to make the larger size,
which we know would be perfect, especially if made of one piece as
you suggest. Now, if you think it would pay us to go into it and
make the dies and tools for producing a canteen of that kind, we are
willing to take the chances as regards the test, but if there are no
prospects, we would very much thank you to tell us so.

Thanking you kindly for having given us the opportunity to look
over the tests, we remain, etc.

THE REYMOND & GOTTLOB ALUMINUM CANTEEN.

Some of the canteens to which the consideration of the military
men are invited are picnic affairs, suited, perhaps, for a tourist, or a

24 HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

bicyclist on a summer outing, but not adapted in construction, vsha
capacity, durability or rigidity for military purposes.

Of this class is the aluminum canteen, retail price, $1.50, sold by
Messrs. Reymond & Gottlob, 831 Broadway, N. Y. Its weight, in-
cluding cover, is 8 oz. It is of circular shape, fig-drum, cheese-box
appearance, covered with a single thickness of what may be felt.
Dimensions, 6 in. cfiameter, 2.\ in. deep. It is not seamless; flask
not of one piece. It is said to be spun. No solder is said to be used.
The felt covering buttons upon the outer, or convex, base of the
flask by flat-headed glove-buttoning fastenings, and the sling, J in.
wide, is of strap leather. It is doubtful whether the button fastening
method would be durable.

Being filled to its capacity (29 fluid ounces) with water having a
temperature of 94 degrees F., it was exposed with others in the open
air at a temperature varying from 4 degrees F. to 10 degrees F.
At the end of four hours the contents dropped to 32 degrees. After
an exposure of six hours, the contents were frozen, and it leaked in all
succeeding tests.

Its resisting, or non-conducting, properties are about the same
as the Government regulation service canteen, ordnance pattern,
which is protected by "Petersham" (or shoddy felt), and canvas
cover. Perhaps it should be rated a little above the Karlsruhe, Baden,
Germany, aluminum canteen when covered by the single felt German
method.

Messrs. Reymond & Gottlob are importers of aluminum fancy
goods and novelties, branch at 109 Fulton street, factory, 115-121
East Thirteenth street, New York. The firm writes as follows :
"We can make the desired canteen, provided it is ordered in fair-
sized quantities, and if you could submit a sample of one you think
the most useful, we would be thankful to you. We have no connec-
tion with any European house, and would not know what is desired
for your purpose.

We truly believe that our canteen is superior to any one in the
market and has no equal. As to durability, it outlasts any one, besides
being as pure as gold, and will not rust or change any, and think it is
the most useful thing for the army.

We are very anxious to have you make a trial, and kindly ask
you to report to us the results. Further, wish to say that we have sold
these to a good many officers of the U. S. Army, and every one has
given our canteens the highest praise.

We have tried over and again to get the Government interested
in the same, but there seems to be a hitch somewhe r e which we can-
not explain.

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

of Wales Metal/io, /?*<?/, shaded, to
vy<?t?e tcp> W/cvf cfftrwt fee owe detached,
t 33 S/ujj w^es. frfaxtrt fy tfo ix C*nU* C* t

26 HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

We guarantee every one of ours to be water-tight, and eve
soldering can be done on them."

THE PRESTON FIELD RATION MESS KIT.

Gradually the armies of the world are adopting aluminum fc
mess kits, and the Ordnance Department of the U. S. Army has fc
a number of years been testing the qualities of aluminum for th:
purpose. Owing to the Cuban and Philippine wars, these tests ha\
been somewhat delayed, but during the last year the department he
issued to the service, for trial, one thousand sets of the Preston Mes
Kit.

This kit was patented March 3, 1896, by Lieutenant Guy 1
Preston, U. S. A., and is made by the Scovill Manufacturing Con
pany, Waterbury, Conn. The retail price of same, complete, is $4-5<

A glance at the illustrations will demonstrate the improY<
ment in compactness and convenience over any kit now in use. Bein
made wherever possible, of aluminum, it has the additional advantag
of increased lightness, and strength as well. Its weight, with cove
is 2 Ibs. 5 oz. The only metals used in any way are aluminum, ti
and iron, so that no injurious salts can be formed by corrosion.

Following is a description of articles of which the kit is con
posed :

The Canteen Proper. This has a capacity of little over thre
pints. It is made of heavily coated tin, soldered at its joints. Tin :
used rather than aluminum, because as yet no satisfactory solder hz
been found for aluminum, and the canteen could not well be mad
without joints. The cork has a cap of aluminum to keep the cornet
from crumbling when inside, and cannot be lost because of a chai
and bar which hang on the inside of the canteen.

Frying Pan. This is made of aluminum with a heavily tinne
steel handle, which, when packed, swings back on a hinge and lie
flat on the bottom of the pan. A very ingenious and durable devic
with a sliding pin, which cannot be lost, is used for holding the hand)
in position when in use. The pan is about I inch in depth and fit
over the side of the canteen when in the canvas cover. This f ryin
pan has a cover, which is its counterpart in size and shape, and fil
over the other side of the canteen when inside of the canvas cove;
This may be used as another cooking pan or serving dish. It has n
handle, but may be locked tightly over the top of the frying par
thus making a case for carrying rations or may be slipped loosely ove
the frying pan, thus making a fine baker.

Cup or Sauce Pan. This is made of aluminum with a heavil

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN. 2/

tinned steel handle, which, when packed, closes within the cup. When
in use, a small gravity catch keeps the handle in its proper position.
The cup is strongly reinforced where the handle is riveted on, so that
the weight of its contents will not work it loose. This cup, when
packed, slips over the bottom of the canteen, which it fits snugly.

Canvas Cover. This is very strongly made of the best brown
canvas. A strong canvas strap with an adjoining buckle is securely
sewed about the bottom end of the cover. This cover may also be
furnished with D rings, when desired, to take the regular cavalry
carrying strap issued by the Quartermaster's Department. The top
of the cover is laced tight about the canteen, leaving but the neck
exposed. Inside is a double lining of gray felt, which is secured to
canvas. This is to keep the water cool. The aluminum pans are also
a help in this respect, as aluminum is a bad conductor of heat. A
pocket is sewed to the inside of the canvas to hold the knife, fork
and spoon, which are made of steel, very heavily tinned and silver
plated. Being made of steel they are strong and can easily be kept
sharp, and being tinned they do not become rusty.

Captain W. C. Brown, First U. S. Cavalry, is quoted as stating
that : "The Preston Mess Outfit is very convenient and suitable for
officers' use, but the aluminum sheet used for the frying pan and
plate, are rather too thin to withstand the rough usage which they will
get in the hands of enlisted men."

THE COWLES CAN TEH x.

Name of inventor, John T. Cowles, 224 East Washington street,
Chicago, 111., alleged to have assigned same to Mr. George Lanz, 183
Lake street, Chicago, a manufacturer of leather goods, and who has
furnished ordnance leather equipments to the Ordnance Department
U. S. Army, also to English forces now in South Africa.

This invention relates especially to army contracts for the use of
foot and mounted soldiers, but may be adapted as well for large
water receptacles, such, for example, as may be used for carrying a
temporary supply of water for horses in cavalry and artillery service.

The object of the invention is to provide means for more effectu-
ally preserving the temperature of water either in hot or cold
weather. For individual use, the flask of the canteen is of the usual
double convex type. It is a canteen in combination, basing its merits,
in part, upon the physical principle of convection. A covering of fib-
rous material is applied to the flask and impregnated with a non-heat-
conducting material. There is a filling of corrugated fibrous paper
interposed between the fibrous covering and spaced apart from an

28 HISTORY OF Till': MILITARY CANTEEN.

outer rigid shell, which encloses the whole. The walls of the shel
have rigid supports. The shell has a textile cover.

The canteen is provided with the usual nozzle and chained stop-
per. The materials used to impregnate the felt, or other fibrous
material used as a cover to the flask, are said to be sulphate of alum-
inum, common salts, and sulphate of ammonia, or the three mixed.
It is stated that the inventor does not desire to be limited to these
particular substances, as there are many materials which may be
applied to a fibrous carrying substance with greater or less efficiency,
the process being to conveniently impregnate the fibrous material by
saturating it with a solution of the substance and then drying it out.

The covered flask is encased in a shell of sheet metal, spaced
apart from the fibrous cover, so as to leave an air chamber. To the
case there is applied the usual fibrous jacket, and this, in turn, is
enclosed by means of a canvas cover which is openable through a
portion of its circumference, the seam along the edge of the flask-
being permanently stitched from the nozzle in each direction for a
short distance and through the remainder of the circumference of the
flask being closed by lacing, so that the canvas cover may be opened
for the purpose of admitting moisture to the fibrous material, whereby
the cooling effect, due to evaporation, is secured.

See "Lanz Canteen" for this form of laced canvas cover.

The shell has a cross-rib support applied to its inner face central
as to the sides of the flask and bearing against the fibrous cover, so
that the shell will not be easily indented. The corrugated paper used
as filling is impregnated with a non-heat-conducting material. One
form of the shell of the Cowles canteen is corrugated, the corruga-
tions being arranged meridianally as to the shell and being of maxi-
mum depth across its equator and disappearing at its polar portions.

The inventor claims that by the use of the outer covering of felt
protected by a close woven fabric, such as canvas, the benefit is
secured of the long continued effect due to slo\v evaporation, the felt
having been saturated when the canteen is full.

The canteens heretofore made have proved inadequate as to
means for keeping the water sufficiently cool to be palatable in hot
climates. For this reason "the expedient named is supplemented in the
canteen forming the subject of this mention, by the metallic casino-
enclosing the flask in such manner as to form with the walls thereof
an air-space. The advantage gained by this construction is decidedly
augmented by the layer of fibrous material applied directly to the
flask, and by but partially filling the air-space between it and the
casing, this fibrous material being itself a good non-conductor of
heat, but being rendered far more efficient in this regard by being

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CAXTEEX. 2Q

impregnated with the substances named, which possess very low
conductivity.

By supplementing these features with the corrugated paper placed
with the air-space named, a further marked advantage is secured,
not only because of the efficacy of the paper, especially when
impregnated with the materials named above as non-conductors, but
because of the sub-division of the air-space into numerous cells,
thereby preventing the circulation of air and the consequent trans-
mission of heat by convection.

The principle of the invention is not limited to this, or any other
canteen form, but is equally applicable to a flask or tank of any
shape.

THE LANZ CANTEEN.

Name of inventor, William Lanz, and manufacturer, Mr. George
Lanz, 183 Lake street, Chicago, 111.

The canteen is one of the few articles of equipment that the prop-
erly trained soldier will never part with. Every question in war
should be considered in the aspect of what men can do, and will do,
when fatigued. Mr. George Lanz is a reputable wholesale manu-
facturer and contractor for leather goods. He has made a large
number of saddle bags, pistol holsters, etc., for the Ordnance Depart-
ment, U. S. Army, and for the British service.

This invention relates to army canteens and the like, and its object
is to provide such a cover for the sheet metal flask, of which such
articles are usually composed, that it will more effectually prevent
changes of temperature of the contents than has heretofore been
accomplished. The usual reliance for acomplishing this object has
been a jacket of a substance called felt, or of a mixture of cotton or
jute mixed with wool, called felt, covered with canvas, which jacket
is so intended that by the process of evaporation the contents of the
flask will remain cool.

This means for preventing the contents of the flask from becom-
ing warm has been inadequate because the outer covering of the can-
teen has usually been of finely woven canvas, or like fabric, which is
very nearly water-proof, and hence, although water may have been
poured upon the canteen, or the latter may have been dipped into
water, the moisture would not penetrate the canvas covering, and
hence the inner lining of cotton and jute mixed with wool felt would
remain dry.

The form of construction now in use by the U. S. Army also is,
of course, practically valueless as a means of preventing the contents
of the canteen from becoming frozen in cold weather.

3O HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

One form of the Lanz invention consists in covering the flask
with a material, or a layer of material, having a low heat-conducting
character, and placing over the layer an envelope of water-proof
material, so that the inner layer will never become wet ; upon this
envelope is superimposed the usual jacket, or jackets, of fibrous
material, such as felt, and this in turn is covered with canvas or sim-
ilar textile fabric, closely woven, so that it is almost impervious to
water.

This outer cover is openable, its seam being in part formed by
lacing, so that it may be readily opened for renewal or for the pur-
pose of permitting moisture to freely enter the felt jacket when the
canteen is immersed in water.

The invention consists further in making the canteen with one of
its sides flattened or slightly concave.

Drawings illustrating this invention, side elevation, edge view
and transverse section, are in the possession of the inventor at Xo.
183 Lake street, Chicago, 111. (See page 31.)

' The flask is the usual rounded double convex form, except that
one of its sides is made slightly concave, so that it may rest more
easily upon the hip of the user when slung from the shoulder. The
flask is provided with the usual nozzle closed by a stopper provided
with a chain and ring.

A layer of non-heat-conducting material is applied to the body of
the flask, preferably granular cork is used for this purpose, and it
may be secured to the canteen by first coating the latter with a suit-
able cement and then sprinkling the cork upon it while the cement
is moist ; or the cork may first be molded into a shell adapted to fit
snugly against the side of the flask. Other forms of the Lanz can-
teen omit this layer.

This layer of material is enclosed in an envelope of water-proof
material. For this purpose oilcloth is preferably used, though any
material which will prevent water from gaining access to the cork
will serve.

Upon the envelope is superimposed a layer, or layers, of fibrous
material, preferably felt, and this, in turn, is encased in felt, wool,
canvas or other fabric. This cover is made in two sections, one
applied to each side of the flask, the two being joined by a seam which
may be permanently and closely stitched from the nozzle part way
round the canteen ; but through a considerable portion of this seam,
preferably exceeding one-half of the circumference of the canteen,
lacing is used.

In use, the lacing is, or may be, opened after the flask is filled,

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

32 HISTORY OK TT1K MILITARY C. \XTKKX .

and the canteen, if the water or weather he warm, is then immersed
in water so that the felt jacket may become thoroughly saturated.
The lacing is now drawn tightly so as to prevent the air from gain-
ing access to the felt, and thereby the process of evaporation is
greatly retarded, so that under ordinary circumstances the felt will
continue moist for a number of hours.

The layer of cork, or other material, prevents the heat from pass-
ing through the walls of the flask when the temperature of the felt
jacket is raised above that of the contents of the canteen, so that the
water remains cool and palatable for many hours after the flask is
filled.

The office of the water-proof envelope is to prevent the layer of
non-heat-conducting material from becoming weighted, and hence, in
time, foul, and also to prevent the metal of which the flask is formed
from corroding.

In cold weather the felt is, of course, not moistened, and, being,
when dry, an effective non-conductor of heat, it, with the inner layer
of cork, or similar material, will prevent the liquid within the can-
teen from parting with its heat for a considerable period, so that .he
danger of freezing is greatly lessened.

While the construction heretofore mentioned may be preferable
to any other, the water-proof layer of non-heat-conducting material
may be omitted and the jacket of fibrous material be applied directly
to the body of the flask, enclosing it within the canvas cover which
is openable for the purpose of admitting moisture to the felt, and
may then be closed by lacing, so as to greatly retard the process of
evaporation. Many of our old soldiers have learned that a woolen
stocking leg pulled over a canteen helps to keep the contents cool.

An English patent of 1884 describes a canteen with a felt cover-
ing and a leather cover laced over it. An Italian patent of 1871
refers to a felt and flannel laced cover for a canteen. It is claimed
that neither of these can accomplish what is claimed for the canteens
made by Mr. George Lanz, 183 Lake street, Chicago, 111., viz. : Re-
tard the evaporation. Experimental tests have been made by Mr.
Lanz demonstrating varying and relative results, using a canteen
with a leather cover, with a flannel cover, with a canvas cover.

The merits of the Lanz made canteen are that it will keep cool
water at a low temperature, reduce high temperatured water to a
drinkable temperature, or warm liquid at a high temperature, longer
than any other canteen now in use by any military power.

These results are accomplished by enveloping or casing the can-

HISTORY OK TIII-: MILITARY CANTEEN. 33

teen with a non-conducting substance, such as wool, felt, cork or
granulated cork, sometimes in conjunction with a certain cement.

Another device of his manufacture is to encase the protected can-
teen by an outer shell of metal, there being an air-space between the
shell and the enveloped canteen. The shell is held away from the
canteen by two beveled cork buffers. These buffer heels also protect
the canteen. The whole is then covered.

It is designed that each soldier shall carry one, suspended by a
strap from the shoulder, to carry cool water, hot coffee, or whatever
beverage may be obtainable on the march or in the field.

It is claimed that the drinkable properties of the liquid continue
for a longer period than by any other device patented, or used, by
any army.

The Lanz canteen is not a tin flask enveloped with a thin mixture
of cotton, wool or jute, then canvas covered.

The patentee makes the canteen of aluminum, and also of various
other metals, or combinations of metals ; likewise of wood, paper
pulp, caoutchouc, etc.

In shape, the circular form is generally preserved, but one face is
convex, the other being concave. When slung, the concave face is
next to the body of the wearer. A filter may be fastened to the noz-
zle or mouth, if desired. The capacity may be from three pints
upward, same as model, Ordnance pattern, U. S. Army. The cavalry
model canteen is of larger capacity than the one designated for the
equipment and transportation of foot soldiers.

The weight of the Lanz canteen is about six (6) ounces in excess
of the U. S. canteen of the same capacity, forty-six (46) fluid ounces
of water, being twenty (20) ounces of avoirdupois.

The following tests are reported by him, five (5) canteens being
used :

First test. No. I, U. S. canteen, as issued by Ordnance Depart-
ment. No. 2, Lanz canteen. No. 3, another Lanz canteen. Tem-
perature of hydrant water with which each canteen was filled, fifty-
fi ye (55) Fahrenheit. Exposure at rest, 115. Time of exposure, 6
hours. Results: No. i, U. S. canteen, 94. No. 2, Lanz canteen, 76.
No. 3, Lanz canteen. 72.

Second test. No. i, U. S. canteen, as issued by Ordnance Depart-
ment. No. 2, Lanz canteen. No. 3, Improved Lanz canteen. Tem-
perature of water at time of filling each canteen, 55 Fahrenheit.
Canteens suspended at rest and exposed for 5 hours to a temperature
of 135. The exterior surface of each canteen was dry before, and

34 HISTORY OF rrn-: MILITARY CANTEEN.

during, the test. Results: Xo. [,U. S. military canteen, 114. X<>. j,
Lanz canteen, 90. No. 3, Improved Lanz canteen, 84.

Third test. No. i, U. S. canteen, as issued by Ordnance Depart-
ment. No. 2 ? Braided Lanz canteen, wet. No. 3, Braided Lanz
canteen, dry. No. 4, Arizona canteen, cavalry size, dry. No. 5,
Braided Lanz-Cowles canteen, granulated cork cased, dry. Tem-
perature of water when each canteen was filled, 55 Fahrenheit. All
canteens suspended remained at rest during test. Time of exposure
to a temperature constantly of 136 Fahrenheit, 5 hours. Results:
No. i, U. S. canteen, 104. No. 2 Braided Lanz canteen, wet, 92
No. 3, Braided Lanz canteen, dry, 94. No. 4, Arizona canteen,
cavalry size, dry, 92. ( Memorandum : The quantity of water in the
Arizona canteen was double that placed in any of the other canteens.)

Mr. Lanz has, he states, tested made coffee, also tea, just off the
fire, in his canteens, and then placed them in an ice-chamber and
claims that for use in the winter season, Arctic regions, etc., the non-
conducting properties of his canteens have demonstrated like superior
relative value.

He states, also, that he has attached various canteens to men on
the march, to horses., moving bicycles, railway cars, etc., thus assimi-
lating to conditions of actual service, with results proving the
superiority of his inventions. One of his canteens is made of cor-
rugated material.

In this connection, attention is invited to my report, dated 20 Jan.,
1899, from Headquarters, ist Division, 2d Army Crops, Camp Mac-
kenzie, Augusta, Ga., reiterating previous recommendation that can-
teens should be covered with felt, or wool, inside the canvas cover.

It is now recommended that whatever canteen be adopted the
flask be thoroughly covered with wool, felt, flannel, or by a non-con-
ducting fabric, or substance.

The Lanz canteen is based on rational principles. The improve-
ments in the service canteen have not kept pace with the developments
in every other portion of the equipment or accoutrement of our
soldiers ; they have suffered needlessly because not provided with
canteen which would keep water at a drinkable temperature in
tropical regions and during the heated season.

Hence it is recommended that a thousand, or more, be ordered, for
issue, trial, practical use in the field, and special reports.

Further, that the attention of the Chief of Ordnance, also of the
Board of Fortification, Ordnance, and Equipment, be invited to the
device.

A defect of the U. S. canteen is that the covering will not retain

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

35

Afeta//7'c /7ffs%, opacity 32 f/wd ox. Screw top
the /oH/er7?a/f of the 5 be// of the f/asTc ?* re/nova &/e
for use as a drink w ctsp. Sulmtite-d, ?> the

36 HISTORY OF TIIK MILITARY CANTEEN.

moi'stiire in 1nt weather, hence contents of canteen become unpala-
table.

Air. George Lanz claims:

1. In combination, a flask, a layer of low-heat-conducting char-
acter covering the flask, a waterproof envelope for such covering ; a
jacket of fibrous material superimposed upon the envelope and an
openable cover of close woven textile fabric for the jacket.

2. In a canteen, in combination, a flask, a layer of granulated
cork covering the flask, a waterproof envelope for such covering, a
jacket of fibrous material superimposed upon the envelope, and a
canvas cover for the jacket, such cover being composed of two sec-
tions joined together, in part, by lacing.

3. In a canteen, in combination, a flask, a jacket of uninter-
rupted absorbent material therefor, and an openable cover for the
jacket made of close woven fabric.

4. He claims the herein described method of retarding the rise
of temperature of a liquid in an environment of a relatively higher
temperature consisting in enclosing the liquid in a flask moistening
the exterior of the flask and retarding the evaporation of such
moisture.

Some of his canteens are protected by felt 1-8 of an inch in
thickness ; some by 2-8-inch felt ; some by 3-8-inch felt ; some by 4-8-
inch felt.

Some have I -8-inch layer of granular cork; some 2-8-inch cork;
some 3-8-inch cork layer next the flask.

Some have both felt and cork of varying thickness over the flask
but all of the patterns of Lanz canteens have outside, the canvas
laced up, openable cover. He claims to use only the best imported
piano felt.

At Camp Lake View, Minn., during the week iQth to 27th July,
1900, some tests of the Lanz canteen as compared with the U. S.
canteen as at present issued by the Ordnance Department, U. S. A.,
were made by Asst. Surgeon Asa Friend Goodrich, Medical Corps,
N. G. S. M., and ist Lieut. Wm. Arthur Carleton, ist Regt. Infantry,
N. G. S. M.

The Lanz canteen was the property of Capt. Wm. H. Hart,
Brigade Quartermaster, Minnesota National Guard.

I was present at some of the tests and loaned what I call my
Arizona canteen to be tested with the other canteens named.

One of the tests involved carrying a canteen attached to the
saddle and carried for several hours in a hot sun on a horse in such a
manner as to receive warmth from the bodv of the horse.

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN. 37

The following is a copy of the endorsement of the Lanz canteen
by Capt. W. H. Hart. Reports were also made by Dr. Goodrich and
Lieut. Carleton :

"Camp Lake View, Lake City, Minn., July 29, 1900. Mr. George
Lanz, Manufacturer and Patentee Lanz Canteen, 183 Lake Street,
Chicago, 111. Sir : I am satisfied that when a metal flask containing
water is covered with felt that has been saturated with water and the
felt then covered with canvas that is laced up tight so as to minimize
the access of air, the retarded evaporation operates to keep the con-
tents of the flask palatably cool for a longer period, and at a lower
temperature, than by any other process known to me. The higher
the atmospheric temperature the better, so long as the felt is kept
moist.

"You sent me for test and trial one of your canteens. The flask
held about forty-five (45) fluid ounces. It had a layer of granulated
cork stuck on to canvas and varnished, I think. Over that layer was
a felt cover about a quarter of an inch thick. Over that was an open-
able canvas cover laced up like Colonel Reade's.

''The Government canteen cover is of flimsy material and cannot
absorb nearly as much water as a canteen covered with fine piano all-
wool felt.

"I caused two officers of the Minnesota National Guard to con-
duct a series of tests of your canteen at this place a few days ago, as
compared with the U. S. Government canteen as issued by the Ord-
nance Department, U. S. A.

"Col. Reade's canteen, the one he used in June-August, 1898, in
Santiago de Cuba, was borrowed for comparative test by these two
officers. His canteen was covered with common saddler's felt covered
with a laced canvas cover.

"Every care was exercised to make the conditions uniform; all
canteens were filled at the same time ; quantity of water in each the
same ; immersed fairly ; same exposure ; one thermometer used in
testing.

"My personal judgment is based upon the results of those tests,
and you can refer to me as one who condemns the present Govern-
ment canteen and would like to see it superseded by the Lanz canteen.

"For what sum per hundred can you recover, by your process, the
U. S. canteens now in the hands of the Minnesota National Guard?

W.H.HART.

"Captain and Brigade Quartermaster,
"National Guard, State of Minnesota."

38 HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

In witnessing these tests, several questions were in my mind :
For use in tropical regions

1. Did the inner cork jacket of one form of Lanz canteen do any
good?

2. Did the waterproof layer (oilcloth, resin, cement, or varnish),
whatever the substance might be, used to protect the inner layer, do
any good ?

3. Was the Lanz theory of having next to the flask a layer of
material having low heat-conducting properties covered with a water-
proof substance in order to prevent water from gaining access to
the cork jacket, correct ?

4. If the inner jacket, so isolated, aided to keep the contents of
the flask palatable, was it commensurate with the enhanced cost and
weight ?

5. Would it not be better to discard this inner jacket and sub-
stitute a like amount in weight of fibrous or textile material, as in
the Arizona canteen which has the felt material applied directly to the
flask?

Using five (5) Lanz canteens, and two (2) U. S. A. canteens, as
issued by the Ordnance Department, I have since witnessed the fol-
lowing test :
No. i, Lanz canteen, cover 3-8-inch gran, cork ; also 3-8-inch felt and

canvas cover.
No. 2, Lanz canteen, cover i -8-inch gran, cork ; also 2-8-inch felt and

canvas cover.
No. 3, Lanz canteen, cover i -8-inch gran, cork ; also 3-8-inch felt and

canvas cover.

No. 4, Lanz canteen, cover, no gran, cork ; 3-8-inch felt and also can-
vas cover.

No. 5, Lanz canteen, cover, no gran cork ; i -2-inch felt and also can-
vas cover.
Nos. 7 and 8, U. S. Government canteens as issued at present.

The seven canteens were filled with water of the same tempera-
ture 66 degrees F., and at the same time.

Quantity of water in each Lanz canteen, one 45, one 46 ounces.
All seven canteens were immersed in water for the same length
of time about fifteen minutes after the lacing of each of the Lanz
canteens had been loosened.

The laces in the Lanz canteens were then tightened up again and
all seven canteens suspended above the roof of a four-storied build-
ing, where full circulation and exposure to air, light and heat, with-
out contact, was maintained for six (6) consecutive hours. Beside

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN. 39

each canteen hung a thermometer, from which hourly readings were
taken and outside temperature noted and recorded.

At 9 o'clock a. m., temperature was 90 degrees F.
At 10 o'clock a. m., temperature was 94 degrees F.
At ii o'clock a. m., temperature was 93 degrees F.
At 12 o'clock m., temperature was 97 degrees F.
At i o'clock p. m., temperature was 98 degrees F.
At 2 o'clock p. m., temperature was 99 degrees F.
At .3 o'clock p. m., temperature was 99 degrees F.

After these six (6) hours' exposure, the contents of the canteens
showed temperature as follows fa thermometer had been inserted in
each canteen) :

Lanz canteen, No. i, 77 degrees F.

Lanz canteen, No. 2, 78 degrees F.

Lanz canteen No. 3, 78 degrees F.

Lanz canteen, No. 4, 78 degrees F.

Lanz canteen, No. 5, 77 degrees F.

U. S. canteen, 100 degrees F.

U. S. canteen, 102 degrees F.

On another occasion, three (3) canteens were tested, viz.:

Lanz canteen, No. i.
Lanz canteen, No. 4.
U. S. Government canteen as issued.

These three canteens were rilled with water, 66 degrees F., and
placed on the roof of a high building, so that one flat side of each
canteen was exposed to the sun for seven (7) consecutive hours,
from 8.30 a. m. to 3.30 p. m. A thermometer was placed beside each
canteen and also inserted into each one after the seven hours' ex-
posure.

The temperature was noted as follows :

8.30 a. m., outside temperature, 95 degrees F.

9.30 a. m., outside temperature, 105 degrees F.

10.30 a. m., outside temperature, 115 degrees F.

11.30 a. m., outside temperature, 120 degrees F.

12.30 p. m., outside temperature, 125 degrees F.

1.30 p. m., outside temperature, 125 degrees F.

2.30 p. m., outside temperature, 120 degrees F.

3.30 p. m., outside temperature, 115 degrees F.

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

coe/r air

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN. 4!

I have personally made the following tests, conducting same from my office, Army
Building, St. Paul, Minn.

TEST No. 1.

Kind of Canteen.

Weight
of
Canteen.

Holds
ounces.

Absorb-
ent
Capac-
ity.

Temper-
ature of
Water
when
placed in
Canteen.

Temper-
ature of
Water at
Conclu-
sion of
Test.

Dry

07..

Wet
oz.

No i U S Government

16
15

24^
40

I7'2
l8>/2

40
40

82

4 4

:i

86

&

3/2

\lx

42

7 6
7 6

7
7 6

76

9
92

76
7 6

7

No 2 " "

No. 3, Lanz, single cork and g-inch felt, can-

No 4 Lanz A-inch felt, canvas outside..!..

No. 5, Reade, Arizona, saddler's felt, canvas
outside ..

Outside temperature: 9 a. m., ;

10 " 86 "

11 " 92 " F.

12 m., 94 " F.

1 p. m. 76 " F.

2 " 93 " F.

3 89 " F. .

Canteens suspended over roof. The exterior cover of each canteen was wet
before making the test. Time of exposure, at rest, six (6) hours.

TEST No. 2.

Kind of Canteen.

Weig
Can

Dry
ozs.

16

15

25

24^

40

24
22

htof
een.

Wet
ozs.

i7#

1 8^

40
40

82

34^
30

Holds
ounces

45

46

45
46

86

45

45

Absorb-
ent
Capac-
ity.

Tern pera-
ture of
Water
when
placed in
Canteen.

Tempera-
ture of
Water at
Conclu-
sion of
Test.

Xo I US Government

I#

3 1 A

Jl*

42

10%

8

64
64

6 4
64

6 4

6 4
64

8 9

8 9

7*
7*

76

76
80

No. 3, Lanz, single cork and ^-inch felt,
canvas outside.

No. 4, Lanz, % -inch felt, canvas outside..
No. 5, Reade, Arizona, saddler's felt, can-
vas outside

No. 3, Lanz, XXX tin, single cork, J^-inch
with waterpoof covering, ^-inch
felt. (Loaned by Dr. A. F. Good-
rich)

No. 4, Lanz, XXXX tin, ^-inch felt, no
cork, canvas cover. (Loaned by
Dr. A. F. Goodrich)

Outside temperature: 9 a. m., 80 deg. F. I p. m., 90 deg. F.
10 " 74 " F. 2 " 93 " F.
u " 83 " F. 3 " 92 " F.
12 in., 90 " F.

Canteens suspended at rest, above roof, where free circulation and exposure to
sunlight and heat, without contact, was maintained for six (6) consecutive hours. The
outer, or canvas, cover was saturated before making the test,

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

TEST No. 3.

Weight of Absorb-

Tf mpera-
ture of

Tempera-
ture of

Kind of Canteen.

Canteen.

Holds ent
ounces. Capac-

Water
when

Water at
Conclu-

Dry ! Wet

ity.

placed in

sion of

OZS. | OZS.

Canteen.

Test.

No I U S Qrivfmmpnt

72

Q4.

u

7^

96

No. 3, Lanz,

72

78

No. 4, "

72

7 6

No. 5, Reade,

> As described in Test No. 2

As iii

Test Xo. 2.

72

SO

No. 3, Lanz,

72

78

No. 4, "

72

75

Outside temperature: 8 a. m., 76 deg. F. I p. m., 93 deg. F.

9 " 82 " F. 2 " 92 " F.

10 " 90 F. 3 90 " F.

11 " 92 " F. 4 88 " F.

12 m., 93 " F.

Canteens suspended at rest above roof, where free circulation and exposure to
sunlight, without contact with one another, was maintained for eight (8) consecutive
hours. Covers were wet before making test.

TEST No. 4.

Kind of Canteen.

Weight of
Canteen.

Holds
ounces.

Absorb-
ent
Capac-

Tempera-
ture of
Water
when

Tempera-
ture of
Water at
Conclu-

Dry

Wet

ity.

placed in

sion of

OZS.

OZS.

Canteen.

Test.

No I U. S. Government

78

No 2 " "

/
78

^

No. 3, Lanz, "]

78

77

No. 4, " 1

78

76

No. 5, Reade, ^ As described in Test No. 2

As

in

Test

No. 2.

78

ND. 3, Lanz, j

78

76

No. 4, " |

78

76

Outside temperature, and temperature of water, each hour, in each canteen,
during Test No. 4.

Hour.

Outside

c

ANTKJiN

Temperature

No. i.

No. 2.

No. 3.

No. 4.

No. 5.

No. 3.

No. 4.

8 a m

72

78

78

78

78

78

78

7S

"

8l

7r

'?
7fi

7

:S

7
78

/

1

/

~x

10 "

85

3
78

/"

7C

7

78

7 5
78

/4
76

11
76

II

I I "

86

76

7 ^
76

' s

76

/ u
76

/
78

12 m

87

77

u
7Q

/"

77

/ u
76

/4
76

7 ^
76

/

78

I p. m

80

82

86

76

/ ?
76

/ u

76

2 "

88

80

76

/ u

76

/:)

/j

76

~l "

88

y
02

V 1
Q2

/ u

77

/ u
76

10

76

75

7C

/ u
76

i "

88

Q2

Q-7

77

76

76

-6

76

y*

yj

II

/ u

/ u

/"

/ w

Canteens suspended at rest above roof, where free circulation and exposure to sun-
light, without contact with one another, was maintained for eight (S) consecutive
hours. Covers were drv before makin"" test.

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

43

TEST No. 5.

Kind of Canteen.

Weight of
Canteen.

Holds
ounces

Absorb-
ent
Capac-
ity.

Tempera-
ture of
Water
when
placed in
Canteen.

Tempera-
ture of
Water at
Conclu-
sion of
Test.

104
103 ^

80

81

80
80
90
90

86
92

Dry
ozs.

Wet
ozs.

No i U S Government ....

As

14
H
4

in

20
20
20

Test

48
48
48
48

No. 2.

6
6
6
6

80

80
80
80
80
80
80

85t

85*

8 5 t
8 5 t

No 2 " "

No. 3, Lanz, "j
No. 4, " .|
No. 5, Reade, }- As described in Test No. 2.
No. 3, Lan/,
No. 4, "

No 2A " " ....

No 3A' " " +

"Contents spilled before conclusion of test.

tThese canteens were exposed one hour only, from 3 to 4 o'clock p. m.

JCanteen No. 3 A, is a U. S. Government canteen having a leg of a woolen stocking pulled
over its covering.

Outside temperature, and temperature of water, each hour, in each canteen,
during Test No. 5.

i CANTEEN.

Hour.

Outside
Temp.

No.
i.

No.

2.

No.
3-

No.
4-

No.
5-

No.
3-

No.
4-

No.
lA.

No.

2A.

No.
3A.

Tin
Flask

8 a. m
9 "

IO "
U "
I -> 111 . ...

79

84
88

9i

Q4.

80
78
78
80

81

80

78
78

79

Si

80

79
78
80
80

80
80
80
80

82

80
80
80
80

81

80

79
79
80

81

80
78
78
80

82

I p. m. . . .

2 "

3 " ----
4 " ....

IOO
100
IOO

97

1 02
104

103
103

82
80

82
81

81
80

81
80

85
9

85
90

85
86

85
92

Wind, ten miles an hour during this test. Canteens were in constant motion.
Four ounces of water taken from each canteen every hour for the first four hours.

TEST No. 6.

Weight of

Absorb-

Tempera-
ture of

Tempera-
ture of

Kind of Canteen.

Canteen.

Holds
ounces.

ent
Capac-

Water
when

Water at
Conclu-

Dr7

Wet

ity.

placed in

sion of

ozs.

ozs.

Canteen.

Test.

No. i, U. S. Government

?6

98

No. 2, "

76

y

98

No. 3, Lanz, 1

/

76

-7

82

No. 4, "

7 6

80

No. 5, Reade, }- As described in Test No. 2

As

give

n in T

ests

7 6

80

No. 3, Lanz, 1

No

s. 2 an

cl 5-

7 6

82

No. 4, "

76

82

No. I A, U. S. Government

7 6 9 8

No. 2A, " "

76 98

No. 3A, " "

76 84

Tin Flask (not covered)

76 98

44 HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

Outside temperature, and temperature of water, each hour, in each canteen,
during Test No. 6.

c

ANTEEl

n.

Hour.

Temp.

No.
i.

No.

2.

No.
3-

No.
4-

No.

No.

3

No.

4-

No. j No.
lA. 2 A.

No.
3A-

Tin
Flask.

8 a. in . .

9 " -
10 ' . .
u " . .
1 2 in

83
78
82

86

86

76

72
72

74
78

76

72

72

75
82

76

74
74
74

7d.

76

74
74

75

7 <

7 6

75
75
75

75

76
76

75
75

7 ^

76

74

1

76

76 1 7 6
78 ! 74
80 ! 75
82 ! 78
8? 82

76

74
74
74

7 A.

76
80

84

86
86

I p. m . .

2 "
i
J

4 ' -

90
92
94
92

84
89

94
98

84
9
94
98

76

82

76

g

80

76

H

80

76

78
80
82

77
79
82
82

86 ; 86
90 | 90

92 j 94
92 1 98

76

80
82
84

S 9
92

94
98

During Test No. 6, all of the canteens were constantly in motion,
due to the wind. Every hour each canteen was dipped and four (4)
ounces of water poured out ; thus the quantity of water in each can-
teen was hourly reduced in bulk.

The advantage of the cork and felt combined as opposed to an
equal thickness of felt covering is scarcely appreciable.

FURTHER EXPERIMENTAL TESTS MADE WITH THE U. S. CANTEEN
AND THE LANZ CANTEEN.

Tests by Second Lieutenant F. W. Healy, Eighth Infantry, and
by A. A. Surgeon R. M. Fletcher, Jr. :

Lieut. F. W. Healy, Eighth Infantry, filled a canteen, patented
by Mr. William Lanz, 183 Lake street, Chicago, 111., with water;
temperature, 56 degrees F.

The canteen was then placed against the wire fender, or spark
arrester, screening the wood fire of the open fire-place, and allowed
to remain there for ten (10) hours.

At the expiration of that time the temperature of the water in
the Lanz canteen was found to be 70 degrees. A Government can-
teen, similarly exposed, had a temperature of 82 degrees.

On the following day, Lieut. Healy tested the Lanz canteen, also
a canteen, Ordnance pattern, issued to a member of Company D,
Eighth \j. S. Infantry, in the following wise:

Each canteen was immersed in water, temperature, 56 degrees F.,
for about two minutes, and each canteen was then filled with water
of the temperature named. The capacity of the Lanz canteen was
46 fluid ounces ; that of the Government canteen 47 ounces.

They were then placed so as to receive in equal proportion the
direct action of a wood fire burning in the fire-place of the quarters
occupied by Lieut. Healy.

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

45

the per sow .

for its

46 HISTORY OK Till-: MILITARY CAXTEKX.

Four hours later the temperature of each canteen was taken by
Acting Assistant Surgeon R. M. Fletcher, Jr., Post Surgeon, Fort
Assinniboine, with the following results, viz. : Lanz canteen, 70
degrees ; Government canteen, 74 degrees.

The canteens were then thrown into an army wagon and trans-
ported up Beaver Creek, ten miles and back; in all, twenty (20)
miles.

The difference in temperature was then found to be twelve (12)
degrees, the Lanz canteen being the lower temperature.

The canteens were used on the following day by a party of duck
hunters and jolted around for several hours in the sun. The differ-
ence in temperature was found to be twelve (12) degrees, the Lanz
canteen containing the more palatable water.

I am informed that when the application for the Lanz patent No.
655979, August 15, 1900, was pending, the Patent Office cited, as
reference against the claims, the following patents :

British patents to Blakeny, 1163 of 1884;

British patents to Sothcott, 2453 of 1878;

Italian patents to Bouffier, 10397 f J une 2 3< x ^79;

American patent to Hiramo W. Hanmore, White Plains. X. V.,
296955; April 15, 1884;

American patent to Brauer, 244374, July 19, 1881.

The two American patents are said to be of the least importance,
relating simply, Hanmore, to a water cooler comprising a can having
its bottom and side walls covered with "a non-conducting covering
of raw silk waste and calcined or carbonate of magnesia," and an
outer jacket of wood ; and, Brauer, to an ice-house, or ice-box, or
refrigerator, in box form, and having hollow walls packed with
granular cork, and having an outer wall for enclosing an air space.

The Sothcott patent showed a flask encased in either felt or
leather. The low conductivity of the cover was the reliance, the
patentee not depending upon evaporation and not rendering it pos-
sible to practice this method of cooling when he used a leather cover,
and not making any provision for retarding the evaporation should
he saturate the felt cover

The Bouffier patent discloses a flask having a covering of tresses,
or braids, of cellular sea weed, straw or paper pulp, including a
quantity of air, and an outer covering of cotton or linen cloth, or
this outer covering may be of felt or rubber and made detachable for
cleaning purposes.

The drawings of this patent show a familiar structure, but it

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN. 47

appears that the principle of action depended upon is entirely differ-
ent, the patentee depending simply upon the low conductivity of the
material used, and of the air enclosed within its cells, for keeping the
contents of the canteen cool. The patent gives no hint of an evaporat-
ing process, nor does it describe a construction which provides for
the practicing of any such method should it be desired.

The Blakeny patent shows a flask, preferably of glass, having an
inner covering of felt, and an outer covering of leather, and this
outer cover is shown as secured by lacing.

No advantage can be secured from a Blakeny evaporation process
in a structure made after the specification of this patent, for the rea-
son that the leather cover practically wholly prevents evaporation.

It is claimed that in all other cases, except the Lanz, means were
provided for stimulating, rather than retarding, evaporation.

The only devices known to me for securing the cooling action by
evaporation may be divided into three classes, viz. :

1. Those in which an outer envelope is saturated by a single
application of moisture, as by dipping or sprinkling, and is then
allowed to dry out. The present regulation army canteen is an ex-
ample of this class.

2. Those in which an outer envelope is continuously saturated
by capillary action, a reservoir being supplied from which water is
drawn by the fabric of which the envelope is composed.

3. Those in which the receptacle itself has porous walls through
which the liquid contents of the receptacle exude.

A distinction between the Ordnance pattern army canteen and the
Lanz canteen is, that one has its cover permanently attached, and
the other has its cover openable. Owing to this difference, there
results a different principle of action in practical use of the two
devices. It is impracticable to easily thoroughly saturate the one,
thus failing to secure the benefits of a prolonged evaporative action.
In the other it is entirely practicable to thoroughly saturate by sim-
ply unlacing the cover and dipping the canteen and then replacing it.

Instances of the second type of coolers, in which there is a con-
tinuous water feed to the jacket, are found in the following U. S.
patents :

Bernhard Moobius, 296432, April 8, 1884, Chihuahua, Mexico.

James Goddard Lamb, 568259, Sept. 22, 1896, Wellington, New
Zealand.

Kingston Gordon, 149852, April 21, 1874, Richmond, N. Y.

John Rutten, 102595, May 3, 1870, West Chester, Pa.

Albert McDowell, 424125, March 25, 1890, Selma, Cal.

48 HISTORY OK THK MILITARY CANTEEN.

In none of these instances is the idea of retarding evaporation
present ; on the contrary, means are provided for stimulating it.
Most contain suggestions that the device should be located in such
position that there will he a circulation of air about it so that
evaporation may be permitted.

The third type of coolers is found in the following patents :

William Morrow and William Symington, 415366, Nov. 19, 1889,
Kansas City, Mo.

Richard Kelly, 135432, Feb. 4, 1873, Red Bank, Cal.

Charles G. Jordan, 273097, Feb. 27, 1883, Catlin, Col.

Valentine Stuyvesant, 419230, Jan. 14, 1890, Denver, Col.

Jahon V. Frost, 556744, March 24, 1896, Los Angeles, Cal.

The Frost shows a cooler made of porous material, such as terra
cotta, so that its liquid contents may seep through its walls, which
are covered with asbestos. This patent shows an effort to retard
evaporation by covering the asbestos with a layer of wool twisted
into cords and wound thereabout. It is not a removable cover, and,
if applied to a canteen, would operate on a principle different to
the Lanz.

Other patents are :

(a) British patent to Cochran, 508, of 1869.

(b) British patent, to Johnson, 1972, of 1888.

(c) American patent, to Lazare, 36641, of Oct. 14, 1862.

(d) American patent, to Beers, 32541, of June 11, 1859.

(d) American patent, to Bournum, 37273.

(e) American patent, to Heneage, 31154.

(f) American patent, to Pilger, 275697.

(g) American patent, to Roumillat, 222158.
(g) American patent, to Tunnions, 59875.
(h) American patent, to Farciot, 46094.

(h) American patent, to Bartholomae, 32744.
(i) British patent, to Sombart, 5963, of 1883.
(j) British patent, to Girrard, 12792, of 1889.

(a) Flask with either felt or leather jacket. Low conductivity

of the jacket only reliance for cooling action.

(b) Flasjt with tightly fitting canvas cover.

(c) Canteen made of leather, rendered waterproof, lined with

tinfoil.

(d) Both relate to canteens made of wood and without covering.

(e) Compartment canteen.

(f) Relates to construction of bucket. No outer cover.

HISTORY OF Till-: MILITARY CAXTEKN.

49

(g) Both relate to stoppers for bottles or canteens, or the like.

(h) Relate to the form of canteen.

(i) Flask covered with an absorbent material adapted to be

saturated from which there may be free saturation,
(j) Cooler with a felt jacket, which dips into an ice or water-
filled receptacle, so as to carry the moisture up by
capillary action. No provision is made for retarding
the evaporation.

None of the patents herein discussed contain claims which domi-
nate the Lanz canteen, and my conclusion is that the latter does not
infringe any existing patent and that the rational, mechanical and
physical principle upon which it is constructed make it advisable
to purchase a thousand or more for test and report at the hands of
troops now serving in tropical or arctic regions.

TESTS MADE AT FORT MEADE, S. D.

On Oct. 26, 1900, the Post Surgeon, Fort Meade Samuel
Melville Waterhouse, Medical Dept., U. S. A. began experimental
tests using the Government canteen, as issued by the Ordnance
Dept., U. S. A., and the Lanz canteen, patent of William Lanz, 183
Lake St., Chicago, 111.

TEST No. i.

Weight of tin flask of Government canteen, empty, 12 ounces.

Weight of Government canteen, complete, dry, 15 ounces.

Weight of Lanz canteen, dry, 17 ounces.

Capacity, fluid ounces, of Government canteen, 48 ounces.

Capacity, fluid ounces, of Lanz canteen, 40 ounces.

Weight of Government canteen, after thorough immersion, 17
ounces.

Weight of Lanz canteen after thorough immersion, 23 ounces.

Weight of felt covering of Government canteen, dry, i ounce.

Weight of felt covering of Government canteen, wet, 6 ounces.

Weight of duck covering of Government canteen, dry, 2 ounces.

Weight of duck covering of Government canteen, wet, 3 ounces.

Temperature of water when put into the canteens, 56 degrees F.

Both the canteens were then placed in a hot air sterilizer used^
as an incubator, in separate compartments, at 40 degrees C, equiva-
lent to 100 degrees F.

After an exposure of one hour, the temperature of water in each
canteen was as follows: Government canteen, 95 degrees F. Lanz
canteen, 88 degrees F.

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

.Saden. Germany J/umft>im 77as?r. ceucred ly theLanx
u'th */t trrck Amsterdam 3/ycft felt ; opera b/e canvascover.
tkree jotc9. b>y Co/for. GetOG'ty +Z f/W(t <Jl. t tft..

HISTORY <>r THE MILITARY CANTEEN. 51

TKST Xu. j.

The canteens were then replaced in the incubator at the same
temperature as above, and at the expiration of another hour, tem-
perature was as follows : Government canteen, 102 degrees ; Lanz
canteen, 95 degrees.

After another hour of similar exposure the temperature was :
Government canteen, 132 degrees; Lanz canteen, 118 degrees.

TEST Xo. 3.

Both canteens dry, no immersion, were filled with water at a
temperature of 147 degrees and placed in a cold storage room where
the uniform temperature of 38 degrees F. existed.

Observations After first hour, Government canteen, no de-
grees, F.

After first hour, Lanz canteen, 1 16 degrees, F.

After second hour, Government canteen, 90 degrees F.

After second hour, Lanz canteen, 108 degrees F.

After third hour, Government canteen, 74 degrees F.

After third hour, Lanz canteen, 97 degrees F.

TEST No. 4.

Conditions The canteens were filled with water, the tempera-
ture of which was 50 degrees, and immersed until the covers were
saturated. They were then placed in a hot air sterilizer, the door
of which was kept open. The thermometer directly in contact with
the hot air registered a temperature of 127 degrees almost uniformly.

The observations were as follows :

After a lapse of one hour the temperature was, Government, 70
degrees ; Lanz, 66 degrees.'

After the lapse of two hours, the temperature was, Government,
78 degrees ; Lanz, 72 degrees.

After the lapse of three hours, the temperature was, Government,
82 degrees ; Lanz, 76 degrees.

TEST No. 5.

Conditions of this test \vere as follows : Canteens were immersed
in water till covers were thoroughly saturated.

Forty (40) ounces of water of 56 degrees F. was placed in each
canteen. The canteens were then suspended four inches above a
radiator in the hospital, Fort Meade, S. D., for eight (8) hours
and the radiated heat maintained for that period Between 95 degrees
F. nd 98 degrees F.

52 HISTORY <>K Till-: MIUTAKY CANfEEtf,

For the last two exposures the canteens were placed in direct
contact with the radiator, a uniform temperature of 99 decrees
F. being maintained.

The observations, made hourly, show the following:

Expiration of the first hour, 10:45 a - m -< Government canteen,
60 degrees F. ; Lanz canteen, 60 degrees F.

Expiration of the second hour, u :45 a. m., Government canteen,

62 degrees F. ; Lanz canteen, 62 degrees F.

Expiration of the third hour, 12 45 p. m., Government canteen,

63 degrees F. ; Lanz canteen, 63 degrees F.

Expiration of the fourth hour, I :45 p. m., Government canteen,

64 degrees F. ; Lanz canteen, 64 degrees F.

Expiration of the fifth hour, 2 145 p. m., Government canteen,
64 degrees F. ; Lanz canteen, 64 degrees F.

Expiration of the sixth hour, 3:45 p. m., Government canteen,
66 degrees F. ; Lanz canteen, 65 degrees F.

Expiration of the seventh hour, 4:45 p. m., Government canteen,
74 degrees F. ; Lanz canteen, 68 degrees F.

Expiration of the eighth hour, 5 :45 p. m., Government canteen,
86 degrees F. ; Lanz canteen 70 degrees F.

Under ordinary circumstances the Government canteen will keep
water as cool as the Lanz for some hours ; but after the water
absorbed by the U. S. canteen has evaporated, the Lanz will keep
water at a lower temperature than the U. S. canteen.

TEST MADE AT FORT SNELLING, MINN.

By Captain A. E. Bradley, Asst. Surgeon, U. S. A., Post Sur-
geon, with the U. S. A. canteen as issued by the Ordnance Dept.,
and the Lanz canteen, patented by William Lanz, 183 Lake St.,
Chicago, 111., Nov. 7 to 13, 1900:

Data:

Weight of the felt covering, I ounce.

Weight of the canvas covering, 2 ounces.

Weight of the felt covering, 6 ounces.

Weight of the duck covering, 3 ounces.

Weight of the tin flask, 10 to n ounces.

Weight of Government canteen, dry, 13 to 15 ounces.

Weight of Government canteen, with covers on, after immersion
10 minutes, 14 ounces.

Weight of Government canteen, with covers on, after immersion
12 hours, 1 8 ounces.

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CAXTEEX.

53

Capacity of the Government canteen. 42 to 47 ounces.
Weight of the Lanz canteen, dry, 16 ounces.
Weight of the Lanz canteen, wet, 10 minutes' immersion, 22
ounces.

Capacity of the Lanz canteen, 42 ounces.

Weight of canvas cover, Lanz canteen, dry, 3 ounces.

Weight of canvas cover, Lanz canteen, wet, 4 ounces.

EXPERIMENT No. 1.

Time and conditions of exposure. The canteens being filled with water, temper-
ature 54 deg., F., were suspended above a direct-indirect radiator for eleven (i i) hours,
and temperature of air and each canteen taken hourly. During the succeeding two
(2) hours the canteens were placed in contact with the radiator. The following results
were obtained, the same thermometer being used:

TEMl'EKATURE.

Time ' Air.

Govt.
Canteen.
All Wet.

Lanz
Canteen.
All Wet.

Lanz
Canteen.
Wet.

8 a. m

66
70

72
72
86
80

72

73
67
68

72

direct

73
80

54

56

I

61

59
58
57
57
5

contact
72
82

1 $

57
57
59
59
58
58
57
57
57

with ra
66
70

54
54
5

59
62
62
62
62
62
61
62

diator:
69
74

9"

10 " .... ...

n " .. .

12 m ......

i p. m .

2 "

~ "

4 '

c "

6 "

At 6 o'clock the canteens were placed in
7 p. in

8 "

EXPERIMENT

Conditions same as in Kx
I p. in

No. 2.

periment
84
86
96
89
94
92
92

No. i.

56
60

63
64
70

72
73

56
59
63
65
66
66
66

56

t

ll

68
68
68

2 " ... .

3 "

4 ' . .

5 "

6 "

7 "
'

EXPERIMENT No. 3.

The canteens, being filled with water, temperature 54 deg., were suspended above
the kitchen range in the hood designed to carry off odors from the kitchen, and observ-
ations made hourly:

TKMPEKATURE.

Time.

Air.

! Govt.
Canteen.
: All Wet.

Lanz
Canteen.
All Wet.

Lanz
Canteen.
Wet Felt.

8 a. m

1 2O

<;6

<;6

*6

9"

I IO

84

82

74

10 '

I }O

I IO

104

04

u "

2OO

128

1 08

JO"*

54

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CAM'EEN.

EXPERIMENTS Nos. 4 and T>.

In these experiments the canteens were placed in an incubator and observations
made hourly. The average temperature of the incubator, a closed box, was 90 cleg. , I 1 '.
The results showed practically the same temperature at all hours for all canteens.

EXPERIMENT No. 6.

A Government canteen and a Lanz canteen were thoroughly wet, and filled with
water, temperature 58 deg., F. They were placed side by side on blocks ot wood in
an oven of the kitchen range, not touching the sides of the oven. The door was left
open. The following observations were noted:

TK.M I'EKATURK

lime.

Air.

Ciovt Canteen.

Lanz Canteen.

^OO

c

r

II " . . . . . .....................

^24

I ci

-)
08

1 2 m

">84

1 88

III

EXPERIMENT No. 7.

Three Government canteens and one Lanz canteen, coverings, of all, dry, were
suspended out of doors in a tree about thirty feet from the hospital. At 10 o'clock a.
m., temperature of air 40 deg. , F., they were filled with hot water, temperature 126
deg., F. Hourly observations were made as follows:

Time.

TEMPERATURE.

Air.

40

41
42

38
3

3f
16

Government Cz

No. i. I No. 2.

1

nteens.
N<. 3.-

Lanz
Canteen.

10 a m

126

9^
81

65

s*

51

4.7

126
92
;6
62

55
48

A.6

126
74
58

47
42

39
17

126
1 06
90

77
70
62
c8

n "

12 111

I p. Ill .

2 "

4 " .

11 J STORY' OF TllM MI LIT 4V CANTEEN

i

4?

55

. naked, 4/urrrirtums f/aak t*>*rf6i 9 OZ.^

/ec rrvea tvrt ,si/ r/>r^s attichect o an a/umirntm, fay,

'

(*cac>4 two ^/cces) rt'vettct tvthe ffask 6y meoyrs of two r/'ves.
l tTre LanZ. Mfy. Co., /& JLafie 36.
c(, ox.

wlrere Jealraye

*, Cet/er off,
y 43 ox . /7ted fie*

Canteen awt Stra/3 for US.
as prescribed 6y 6.0.

V: 5hefiny 00/3

U: Black CeHarLeolher

56 HISTORY OF

Ooen Air Tests Made

HE MILITARY CANTEEN.

Headquarters Dept. of Dakota,

j

/I.
'ST No. 1.

cir

TEMPERATURE.

Time.

Air.

Government Canteens.

Lanz
Canteen.

No. i.

'

No. 2.

No. 3.

40
41
42
38
38

3 *
36

126

9 8

81
65
58
5i

47

126
92

76

66

*4

4 6

126

?

47
42
39
37

126
100
9

77
70
62

58

11 "

12 ni

2 " . .

^ "

4. "

TEST No. 2.

Time.

TEMPERATURE.

Air.

Government Canteens.

Lanz

No.
4-

No.

No.
lA.

172

122

88
68
54
44
38
32

No. 3 A.
Stocking Leg
Over Canteen.

I 7 2
126
9 6

78
64

54
46

40

o ;i. ni

16

18
18
20
18
18
18
19

172
112

78

58
46

36
32
32

172
1 3 2
102

90
7 6
6 4 '
56
5<>

IO "

H

12 m ...

I p. in

2 "

1 "

4"

TEST No, 3.

Time.

TEMPERATURE.

Outside.

U.S. Army
Ord.
Pattern.
Capacity
4 3 ozs.**

175

126
78
50

34
34

32
32*

Dubuque
Stamp. &
Enamel
Co., Par-
ker Filter
Capacity
50025.**

German
Aluminum
Flask.
Capacity
25025.**

Lane

Aluminum
Flask.
Capacity
44 ozs.**

Lanz
Tin
Flask.
Capacity

36 ozs.**

9 a. m

5
4

6
6

8

9
9

IO

175
104

50

32

f.

175
9 6

44
32
32

175
154
138
112

94
79
64
56

175

156

122

I O2

86
70
60

5o

IT " .

12 m

I p. m

~ " ,

., "

3

----

'Slush ice formed frozen withdrawn.
**FIuid (Troy) ounces, not avoirdupois.

A Preston Mess Kit was also included in Test No. 3, with following results:

10 a. m 175 cleg., F. i p. m loocleg., A p. m 58 cleg. , F.

11 " 162 " F. 2 " 82 " 5 " 50 " F.

12 m 124 " F. 3 " 70 "

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN. 57

OPEX AIR TESTS MADE OE CANTEENS AND CANTEEN FLASKS AT

HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA, SAINT

PAUL, MINNESOTA.

To facilitate reference, the following alphabetical index is adopted.

A. U. S. Army Regulation Service Canteen, Ordnance Pattern:

Double Cover felt and canvas. Capacity, 43 fluid ounces,
weight 14 ounces, avoirdupois. (See cut A.)

A-i. U. S. Army Regulation Canteen; Double Cover felt and
canvas. Capacity, 48 fluid ounces. Weight, empty, covers
on and dry, 14 ounces, avoirdupois. Weight, empty, covers
on and wet, 20 ounces, avoirdupois.

AA. U. S. Army Regulation Canteen, manufactured at Rock Island
Arsenal, 1900: Double Cover; inner of Petersham felt,
outer of dyed duck or canvas. Capacity, 44 fluid ounces.
Weight, covers on and dry, empty, 12 and f ounces, avoir-
dupois. Weight of tin flask, without covers, empty, 9 and
1 ounces, avoirdupois.

B. r. S. Army Regulation Service Canteen, Ordnance Pattern:

Double Cover felt and canvas, having also a woolen stock-
ing leg drawn over it. Capacity, 45 fluid ounces. Weight
16 ounces. (See cut B.)

BB. Three views. (See cut BB.) Combination Canteen and
Filter. Canteen is the regulation tin flask and dou-
ble cover, made at Rock Island Arsenal, October, 1898,
with a specially wide mouth to accommodate the Mrs.
Caroline Parker filter. Capacity, filter in, 42 ounces,
avoirdupois. Fluid ounces, 40. Weight, filled, filter in,
filled, covers on and dry, 59 ounces, avoirdupois. Weight,
filter in, filled, covers on, after ten ( 10) minutes' immersion,
64 ounces, avoirdupois. Weight of the tin flask, no cover,
empty, filter out, 9 and J ounces, avoirdupois.

C. Dubuque Stamping & Enamel Co. Canteen (with Parker

Filter in ) : No cover. Capacity, 50 ounces. W r eight 22
ounces.

CC Seven views. (See cuts C, CC, CCC.) Enameled Metal
Canteen Flask, bought by the U. S., January, 1900, from

58 HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

Dubuque, Iowa, Enameling Co. Capacity, 44 and J ounces.
Weight, filled, covers on and dry, 64 and f fluid ounces,
avoirdupois. Weight, filled, covers on, after ten (10)
minutes' immersion, 75 ounces, avoirdupois. Weight of
the enameled flask, empty, no covers on, 16 and J ounces,
avoirdupois.

D. Karlsruhe, Baden, Germany, Aluminum Flask: No cover.

Capacity, 25 ounces. Weight, 5 ounces. (See cut D.)

E. U;. S. Army Regulation Service Tin Flask, Ordnance Pat-

tern, no cover. Capacity, 45 ounces. Weight, 12 ounces.
(See cut E.)

F. Aluminum Flask, circular, made in Newark, N. J. Covered

by the Lanz method, double cover, felt and canvas. Ca-
pacity, 44 ounces. Weight, 16 ounces. (See cut F.)

G. Lanz Tin Flask Canteen, circular. Covered by the Lanz

method, J inch felt and openable canvas cover. Capacity,
36 ounces. Weight, 25 ounces. (See cut G, four views.)

H. Arizona Canteen. Covered with saddler's felt, also by several
thicknesses of flannel, and an openable canvas cover, Lanz
method. Capacity, 87 ounces. Weight, 34 ounces. (See
cutH.)

I. Preston Mess Kit, Complete. Double cover, felt and canvas.
Capacity, 46 ounces. Weight, 37 ounces.

K. Karlsruhe, Baden, Germany, Aluminum Flask. Covered by
the Lanz method, J inch felt, and openable canvas cover.
Capacity, 43 ounces. Weight, 15 ounces. (See cut K.)

L. Karlsruhe, Baden, Germany, Aluminum Canteen, with carry-
ing strap. Covered by the German method, single felt.
Capacity, 60 ounces. Weight, 14 ounces. (See cut L.)

M. Newark, N. J., Aluminum Canteen Flask, circular. No cover.
No solder said to be used. Capacity, 48 ounces. Weight,
8 ounces.

MM. Newark, N. J., Aluminum Canteen, oblong shape, no seams
or solder said to be used. Weight of naked flask, 9 and : !
ounces. Capacity, 42 fluid ounces. Weight, filled, cover
on and dry, 56 ounces, avoirdupois. Removable single

HISTORY OK T1IK MILITARY CANTEEN. 5<J

cover, felt, laced up on one side only, Lanz method ; high
collar.

N. Newark, X. ]., Aluminum Circular Canteen Flask. Xo
cover. Xo solder said to be used. Capacity, 32 ounces.
Weight, 6 and ^ ounces.

XX. Newark, X'. ]., Aluminum Canteen, oblong shape, no seams
or solder said to be used, identical with "MM" except
capacity. Weight of naked flask, 7 and j ounces. Capacity,
38 and ^ fluid ounces. Weight, dry, cover on, empty, cork
in, 8 and J ounces, avoirdupois. Weight, filled, cover dry,
49 ounces avoirdupois. Single cover same as "MM."

O. Newark, X". J., Aluminum Circular Canteen Flask. No cover.
X'o solder said to be used. Capacity, 16 ounces. Weight,
3 and J ounces. (See cut O.)

1*. Reymond and Gottlob Aluminum Canteen. Single felt cover.
Capacity, 29 ounces. Weight, 8 ounces. (See cut P, four
views.)

O. Lanz Tin Flask Canteen. Covered by Lanz method, inch
felt, and openable canvas cover. Capacity, 45 fluid ounces.
Weight, 19 ounces. (See cut G, four views.)

R. Karlsruhe, Baden, Germany, Aluminum Flask. Covered by
the Lanz method, 4-8 inch wool felt, and openable canvas
cover. Capacity, 45 fluid ounces. Weight, 15 ounces.

S. Lanz Circular Canteen. Tin Flask. Covered by the Lanz
method, 4-8 inch wool felt, and openable canvas cover.
Capacity, 39 ounces. Weight, 19 ounces. (See cut G,
four views.)

T. Lanz Circular Canteen. Tin Flask. Covered by the Lanz method.
4-8 inch Amsterdam sponge woven felt, and openable can-
vas cover, three pieces canvas, high collar. Capacity, 39
ounces. Weight, 19 ounces.

Karlsruhe, Baden, Germany, Aluminum Flask. Covered by
the Lanz method, $ inch Amsterdam sponge woven felt, and
openable canvas cover, three pieces canvas, high collar.
Capacity, 42 ounces. Weight, 17 ounces. (See cut U.)

V- Regulation Aluminum Canteen, Germany Army Pattern, 1899.
Manufactured by Carl Berg, Eveking, Westphalia, Ger-

6o

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

us*

HISTORY OF TIIK MILITARY CANTEEN.

61

many. Covered with grayish felt cloth, single thickness,
provided with black leather loops and straps. Capacity, 25
ounces. Weight, 7 and } ounces. (See cut V.)

W. Karlsruhe, Baden, Germany, Naked Aluminum Flask.
Weight, 9 ounces. Capacity, 44 fluid ounces. Single piece
metal, with steel rings attached to an aluminum lug (each
two pieces), riveted to the flask by means of two rivets.
(See cut W.)

X. Karlsruhe, Baden, Germany, Naked Aluminum, single piece
flask. Weight, 9 ounces. Capacity, 44 fluid ounces. Pro-
vided with stirrup shaped loops clamped to the flask by
means of four rivets. (See cut X.)

Type of Wooden Canteen, used in the United States Army, pat-
tern of 1812, and during our second war with England. (From a
tracing furnished by the Quartermaster General, U. S. Army). One
view.

Tracing furnished by the Quartermaster General U. S. Army,
of the type of tin flask canteen covered with cloth, used in the United
States Army, 1848-1861.

TEST No. 1JO.

TEMPERATURE OF WATER IN CANTEENS.

Hour.

Tempera-

Each Canteen Being Filled to its Capacity.

ture.

A

H

C

D

E

F

G

H

l

10 a. m. . .

''7

54

54

54

54

54

54

54

54

54

II " ...

12 m

8
8

36
32

36

?

32

44

34

44
36

52
44

4 b

I p. m . . .

2 " ...

8

l 2

?

32

38

34
3 2

3 " ---

8

33

32

Leaky.

TEST No. 81

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Hour.

Outside

Each can teen be

ng filled to its capacity.

Temp. A

p,

C D E

F

G

H

I

K

L

9:00 a.m. +10 52

52

52

52 52

52

5 2

52

52

52

52

10:00 " ..
10:30 a. m.

IO
IO

?

38
34

I 2

V

I 2

42
36

3<>
36

42
38

42
42

3
36

40
36

ri:oo "

10

32

3 6

36

38

40

32

3 2

1 1 =30 "

12

3 2

33

32

37

35

32

32

12:00 m . ..

12

3 2

3 2

32

34

33

32

32

12:30 p. m.

12

32 !

32 32

32

32

32

32

*Leaky.

62

HISTORY OF TJIF,

.ITAKY CANTEEN.

TKST NO. .TJ.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Hour.

Outside
1 emp. i

I '""O p 111 - -

+ 14

J a

14

3 u

14

4*00 " ......

14

Quantity of water (36 ozs.) same in each canteen.

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

~*if
46

44
40

38
32

32

I

56

48
44
38
36
34
32

K

56
38
42

39
36

32

32

L

56
34
34
32
32
32
32

56
32
32
32
32
32
32

56
32
32
32
32
32
32

56
48
44

9

34

3 2

56
46

46
44
36
36

34

TEST No. 33.

Hour.

+20
20
2O
20
22
22
23
23

112

82
60
48
38

34

32

112

40
32

*II2
* 90

* 68

* 46
* 40
* 34

* 3 2

112

9
76

68
58
50
46
40

112

86
72
60
52
46

$

112

86
70

58
5o
44
40

36

112

88
68
56
48
42
38
34

112
66

44

34
32

IO'4.C "

n*4C " ....

I '4<; "

2*4.1; "

3 MS "

"W

*Leaky.

TEST No. 34.

Hour.

Outside
Temp.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Quantity of water same in each cinleen.

A

B

IIO

9 2
74
64

56

48
44
42

C
IIO

60

42

36

34

34
34
34

D

E

F

IIO
9 2

74
64
56
50
46
44

G

I IO
9 6
84

74
66
60

56

52

H

IIO
90

78
70
62

58

54
50

I

IIO

94

80
70
62
56

41

K

L

IIO

78
58
50
44
40

38
36

8:4 50. ill .. ...

+32
32
32

33
34
34

34
34

IIO

94

80
68
60

54
5

48

10:4.1; "

11:41; "

12:41; p. m . .

^ "

T?C "

j 43

TEST No. 35.

Hour.
8:40 a. m

Outside
Temp .

+32

33

36

40
41

4'
40

38

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Quantity of water (36 ozs.) same in each canteen.

A

1)

116

90
76
64
58
52
50
48
44

c

116
66,

42
40

40
.38

D

E

F

116

98
82

H
58
54

G
116

100

88

79

72
66
62

58
54

H

116

94
84
74
68
62
58
54
52

I

116

98
86

11

62
56
5 2
50

K

L

116
96

82
72
64
59
56
5 2
49

116

82
66
54
48
46
44
42
42

10:40 "

1 1 :4O "

I 2 140 p 111

I '4.O "

2 :4O "

5 MO "

4 '4O "

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

TEST No. 36.

Hour.

Outside
Temp.

* 2 !~
26

28
30

32
32
32
32
32

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Quantity of water (^6 ozs.) same in each canteen.

A

B

116
86
70
60

11

40

4?
36

116
56
40

34
3 2
32
32
32
3 2

D

E

F

G

116
96

84
74
64
60

54
50
48

H

116
92
80
70
62
56

4^
46

I

116

9 2
80
70
62
54

5
46

44

K

116
90
76
68
68

%

44
42

L

116

76

58
46

42
39

%
36

34

8 * 30 a. ni

116

72
54
44
38
36
35
34
32

116

94
80
68
60

%

44
42

9.30

lO'^O "

1 1 : T.O "

12 "2O P 111

I "JO "

i .ju

^.ju
"I 1O "

4'T.O "

TEST No. 37.

Hour.

Outside
Temp .

Temperature of Water in Canteens and Flasks.

Each Canteen and Flask filled to its capacity.

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

K

L

8- -i - n ni

+ 22
2 4
28
36
38
38
40
4
38

116
88
66
56

5

48

44
44
42

116
94
76
66
58
52
50
48
42

116
58
40
36

38

II

3 8

38
38

116
56

3 f
36

38
38
40
40
40

116
60
40

38
38
38
40
40
40

116

* 9 6

84

11
60
58
54

52

116

94
82
72
66
62
56
54
52

116
103

9 2
86
78
74

11
64

116

99
84

74
66
62
58
56
5 2

116

9 1

78
70
62
5^
56
52
50

116
86
68

58

^8
46
44
42

Q-3C "

JO-7C " ...

T I 7C "

1 2 7 c p in .....

I "i^ "

2:7; "

3"2C " ...

A.-1Z "

H-'JJ

*Leakv.

TEST No. 38.

Hour.

Outside
Temp.

Temperature of Water in Canteens and Flasks.

Each Canteen and Flask filled to its capacity.

A

B

c

D
IOO

55

3 ?
%

%
36

38
38
38

E

F
IOO

*88
76
66
62
54
52
50
48

G

IOO

86
76
66
62
56
54
50
48

H

IOO
96

86
82

74
70
66
62
60

I

IOO

88
76
66
62

56

8

4 6

K
IOO

86
72
62
58
54
5o
48
46

L
IOO

78
62
54
48
44
42
42
40

o ? c a m

+ 32
32

3 2
I

II

II

IOO
78
6 4
52
48

44
42
42
40

IOO

88
68
60

54

5 2
4 6

44

42

IOO

52
40

36
36
36
38
38
38

IOO
52
40

P

36

38
38
33

Q:?C "

lo:^ "

1 1 : T, Z "

j 2 : 7 c p ITI

I :TC "

2 : T c "

7.->C

4.W "

* Leaky.

TEST No. 39.

Hour.

Outside
Temp.

+ 38~
38
40
40
42
42
40
40
40

Temperature of Water in Canteens and Flasks.

Each Canteen and Flask having 36 ozs. hot water.

A

B

c

94
60

48
44
42
42
42
42
40

D

E

F

*94
86
78
70
64
60
56
54
53

G

94

88
78

7<>
62
60
58
56
54

H

94

82

74
68
66
60
56
52
52

i

94
84
76
68
64
58
54
52
50

K

94
84

11
60

58
54
52
50

L

8 : 1 S n ni

94

5

56

11
4 6

44
44

94
78
68
60
54

$

48
46

94
72
60
52

5
46

44
44
42

0:11; "

10:11; "

1 1:11; "

I2'.I5 p. 1Y1 ......

l:i^ "

2 : 1 S " .

7 : 1 < "

4:1 c; "

*Leaky.

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN,
TEST No. 40.

Hour
8 :45 a. m

Outside
Temp.

+ 12
12

14
14
H
14
H
13

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Quantity of water (36 ozs.) same in each canteen.

A

~96~
68
48
38
32
32
32
32

B
96

74
56

46
32
32
32
32

c

96

42
32
32
32
32
32
32

D

E

F

~

76

66

52
44
38
32
32

G

96
80
66

58
50
44
38
34

H

~96~

78
64

54
48

42
36

32

I

K

~96~
76
62

52
44
40

34
3 2

L

96
62
44
32
32
32
32
32

64
54
46
40
36
32

0:4.^ " .

10:4.5; "

ii:45 " -

12:4.^ p. m

1 :4.^ u

2:4^ " .

^:4^ " .

*Leaky.

TEST No. 41.

Hour.

Outside
Temp.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Quantity of water (36 ozs ) same in each canteen.

A j B

C

D

E

F

G

H I I

K

98
So
66
54
48
44
40

38
36

l.

8:30 a. in

+ 10
12
14

18

20
26
26
28
26

9 8

68
52
40

34
32
32
32
32

98

74

58
46

42
38
36
34

32

98

46
32
32
32
32
32
32
32

98
*82
64

%

4 2

4
36
36

98

84
70
62
54
48
44
42
42

9 8
84

68
60

$

44
42
40

98
78
66
56
48
42
40

38
36

98
66
46
36
32
32
32
32
32

9:30 " .

10:^0 "

11:30 "

1 2 .'30 p. m

1:30 " .

2:10 "

3:30 " .

4:^0 "

*Leaky.

TEST No. 42.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Hour.

Out-
side

Quantity of water 36 ozs., except in flasks " N" and" O," in the main filled to their

Tern.

capacity.

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

K

L

M

N

8:15 a. m.
9:15

+ 2 4
24

li

94

74

94

48

* 9 f
78

94

82

94
76

94

78

94
76

94
64

94
44

94

44

94
36

io:[5 '

22

52

60

34

66

70

66

66

68

48

32

32

32

11:15 "

22

40

50

32

56

62

56

56

58

40

32

32

32

12:15 p. m.

22

36

42

32

48

54

50

So

50

34

32

32

32

1:15 "

22

32

40

32

42

50

44

44

44

32

32

32

t

2:15 "

22

32

32

32

38

44

40

40

40

32

32

32

3^5 '

22

32

32

32

34

42

38

56

36

32

32

3 2

4:15 "

26

32

32

32

3 2

36

38

32

32

32

32

32

f Leaky, t Frozen.

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.
TEST No. 43.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Hour.

Out Quantity in each (36 ozs ) the same, except in Flasks "N,
side: filled to their capacity.

" "O" and "P," which were

L - A

H C i D j E

1(1

G

H

I

K

L M

N

O

P

a, in.

8:I 5

+ 4

94

94 94

+94

94

94

94

94

94 94

94

94

94

9 :I 5

6

64

70 42

7 6

76

72

76

74

60

42

42

32

62

10:15

8

46

52 32

60

64

62

62

60

42

32

32

32

44

11:15

8

34

42 32

48

54

50

50

50

32

32

3 2

34

p. m.

12:15

8

32

34 32

40

48

44

44

42

32

32 1 32

32

1:15

8

32

32 32

32

40

36

36

3<>

32

32

32

2:15

10

3 2

32 ! 32

32

34

32

32

32

32

32

32

3>5

12

32

32 32

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

4:15

12 3 2

32 3?

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

'I.eakv. t Frozen.

TEST No. 44.

Hour.

Out
side
T.

Temperature of Water m Canteens.

Cond

tions same as in Test No 43. except Flasks "D", "N". "O"and "P", which werefilled.

A

I! C D E

F

<;

H

I i K

L

I\l

N

o

p

a. m.

8:15

+14

1 06

1 06

1 06 1 06 1 06

1 06

106

106

106

106

106

106

106

106

106

9 : I5

i8| 72

78

50

50 54

t8o

86

84

86

84

68

48

46

38

66

10:25

22

S4

62

34

32

66

72

72

72

70

,SO

34

32

32

So

11:15

26

44

52

32

32 32

56

64

62

62

62

42

32

32

32

42

p. m.

12:15

30

40

36 32

32 32

50

58

56

56

54

38

32

32

32

38

i:i5

32

36

42

32

32 32

46

52

52

52

50

36

32

32

33

30

2:15

34

36

4

32

32 32

42

So

48

48

46

36

32

32

32

36

3 :I 5

34

36

38

32

32 34

40

48

48

48

46

36

33

32

32

36

4: IS

.U

36

3

3 2 34 34

3"5

46 44 44

42

30

33

33 32

3<>

t Frozen.

TEST No. 45.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Out
Hour, side

Conditions same as in Test No. 44.

T.

A B C D E F

G

H

I

K

L

M .

N I

p

| __

1

a. in.

8:25

-10

IOO

IOO

IOO IOO IOO

IOO

IOO

IOO

IOO

IOO

IOO

IOO

IOO

IOO

9 :2 5

8

68

72

36 40 32

t74

80

80

78

56

36

36

32

58

10.25

6

42

52

32 32 j 56

66

64

62

36

32

32

*

40

11:25

5

32

38

32 ' * 42

54

52

48

32

32

*

32

p. m.

'

12:25

4

32

32

*

32

44

42

38

3 2

32

32

1:25

4

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

2:25

2

32

32

32

32

32

32

2

3 2

32

32

32

32

32

3 2

4:25

2

3 2

32

I

32

32

32

32

"'Leaky. fFrozen.

GC)

HISTORY OF T1IK MILITARY CAXTEEX.

Httfti. 9 ox. Capacity <*+ /%/i^ ox.
to the f/ask fy weans of /our>r/*ets.

p/e />t'ece f/ask,.
strrru/9 shaped 7*9jo3 c4u/*
test ly the ax.

HISTORY OF TIIK MILITARY CANTEEN.

TEST No. 4(5.

Out-

Hour.

side

Temp

8* 10 a m. .....

-ID

Q'lO "

IO

10:10 "

8

II'IO " ....

6

I2:IO p. m

4

2:10 "

3 ; l "

- 2

4: 10

2

Temperature of Water in Canteen.

(Quantity (4, ozs ) being the smie, except in '"
"O" and "I'," which were

A." "D,
filled.

AJ n

C

l)

E F

G H

I

K

IO2

102 IO2

1 02

IO2 102

IO2 ! IO2

IO2

1 02

68

7 6

3

38

32 7- S

8? 80

76

44

58

32

32 t 60

66

66

6.

62

32

42

32 t

46 52 52

52

46

31

3 2

t

34 4-J 44

42

36

32; 3'

32

34, 38

36

32

t t

i t 52

32 32

32

32

32

3 2

32

32

t

32

32

32

3 2

K I,

M

N O

p

Q

2 IO2

IO2

IO2 IO2

102

I O2

o 76

3 s

34] 32

32

78

" 62

32

66

2 46

t

f f

32

2 3 6

32

42

6 32

36

2 32

t

32

2 t

3 2

2

i

32

t Frozen. JBurstcd.

During Test No. 46 the Dubuque enameled canteen froze after two hours exposure
and burst open at the seams along the edges, during the next hour. It had forty-five
(45) fluid ounces of water, temperature 102 deg., F., placed in it at 8:10 a. m. The
variations of air temperature were, (observations made hourly), as follows: -10 deg. ;
-8 deg. ; -6 deg. The temperature of the contents of the canteen fell from 102 deg. to
38 deg. after onehour'sexposure;at theexpiration of thesecond hour the fluid dropped
to 32 deg. During this test, the enamel splintered off around the edges; liule blisters
of enamel, like small volcanoes, bubbled up, and patches of the enamel blew off, expos-
ing the metallic base. The cause was simple. The Dubuque Stamping and Enamel
Co. canteen is a combination of mineral and metal; the metal contracted; result, disin-
tegration. (See illustration - ).

TEST No. 47.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Hour.

si'dl". ^ Uamlt >

(45 fluid ozs.) being the same in each, except in "D," "
"N" and "O," which were filled.

-V

r.

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

K

L

M

N

O

Siit; a. m

+14 80

80

*8o

80

80

80

80

80

80

So

80

80

go

So

9 :I 5 "

16

60

63

32

38

38

68

74

68

74

70

64

34

32

32

10:15 "

20

48

S8

32

32

56

64

60

66

62

52) 32

3 2

32

11:15 "

24

42

48| 32

32

3 2 48

38

42

58

54

42

3 2

32

32

1 2 : 1 5 p. m

I : I H " -

26

38

-\A

46

4.2

32

23

r

32

32

42
40

48
44

18

44

4 3-'

36 12

32

32

T.?,

2:15 "

28

32

38

32

32

46

42

44

42

34

3 2

32

32

28

32

36

32

32

36

42 3 s 42

40

32

3 2

3 2

32

4^5 "

28

32 34

32

32

34

40! 381 40

38

32! 32

32

32

*Leaky. t Frozen.

TEST No. 48.

Hour.

Out-

side
Temp

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Quantity of water (45 fli.id ozs ), same in each canteen, except in "A," "D"'
"F,""G," -N," "O" and "P," which were filled.

A

B

"to
66
52
42
36
3 2
32
32
3 2

tSo
32
32
32
32
3 2
32

f

D

80
38

f

E

F

G

H

i |K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

80
70
60

%

38
38
34
32

<S: 10 a. in
9:10 "
10:10 "
II:IO "
12:10 p. m

+14
14

14
14

H
16
16

18
18

80
60
46
36
32
32
32
32
32

80
44
3 2

f

80

*

68
56
48
42

!

80
70
60

52

3
Ji

32

80
68
58
50
44
40
36
34
32

80
7 2
62
52
4 6

4
38
31
3 2

So
70
58
50
4-'
38
24
32
32

80
?6
42

34
32
32
3 2
3*
32

to

36
32
32
32

33
32

r

So

*

32

32

3 3 2

32

r

80

*

32

f

80

46
34
32
32
32
32
32

l : I o "

2:10 "

7:IO "

4:10 "

( Leaky, f Frozen.

68

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.
TEST No. 40.

Hour.

Out-
side
Temp.

8:OO a. ni
9:00 "
10:00 "
1 1 :oo "

1 2 - oo ni.

+ 8
8

IO
12
14.

16

2 :oo " . .

16
18

4:00 " .

1 8

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Conditions same as in Test No. 48. Snow fell during about two hours of
the time occupied in making the test.

A

13

c

D

E

F

G

H

I

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

130

130

130

130

130

130

130

130

130

130

130

130

130

130

130

86

S6

100

Q6

104

98

80

48

*

*

*

102

62

72

s

3 2

60

104

84

82

86

80

S6

32

3 2

32

S

8 4

46

58

32

32

34

84

68

68

72

66

40

32

32

32

32

72

36
32

48
40

32

32

r

32
3 2

68
58

60
So

58
S4

62

54

56
So

34
32

3 2
32

r

r

32
32

6 4

S6

32

36

32

32

50

46

46

46

42

32

32

32

48

32

32

32

32

42

40

40

42

38

3 2

t

44

32

32

32;

32

38 36

36

38

26

32

40

'Leaky, t Frozen.

TEST No. 50.

Hour.

Out-
side
Temp.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Every canteen and flask filled to its capacity.

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

K 1 L

M

N

O

P-

o

8 :oo a. m

Q -00 "

+ 4
6
8

12

16
18

22
22
24

5

40
32
32
32
32

F

50
42

34
32
3 2
32

J2

50

*32
3 2
32
3 2
3 2

r

*

+
*

50
*32
3 2

?

50

* 4 2

36
32
32
32
32
32
32

5

42

38
32

32
32
32

32

32

50

48

44
40

36
32
3 2
32
32

50
42
40

34
3 2
32
3 2

32
.32

50

42

34
32
3 2

32

r

50

38
32
3 2
32

3 2
3 2
32

50
32
3 2

r

* 5

*32

32
32
32
32
32
32
32

50

T 2

50

34
32
3 2
32
32
32
32
32

5o
42
38
34
32
32
32
32
32

icity

lO'OO "

1 1 :OO "

1 2 'OO 111 .

I :oo p. m

2 :OO "

3:00 " -

4:00 "

*Leaky t frozen. JKursted. At start
was 30 o^s.

ng had a

capacity of 25 ozs. ; at the finish its cap

TEST No. 51.

Hour.

Out.
side

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Every canteen and flask being filled to its capacity.

Temp .

A

B C

y

E

F

G

H

JJJL

L

M

N

O

P

Q

KjS T

a.m.

8:00

+16

56

56

56

56

56

56

56

56

56 56

56

56

56

56

56

56

56

56 59

9:00

14

36

40

32 ;

32

40

42

50

44

42

36

32

32

32

42

42

42 40

1 0:00
11:00

10
IO

32
32

32

3 2

32

r

34

32

38
32

48

44

38
32

38
32

32

f

32
32

.?

36

34

vO "'
CO CO

3 6 34

34 32

12111.

10

t

32

32

*32

32

36

3 2

32

T

32

32

32

32 32

p. m.

1:00
2:00

8

8

f

I 2

32
32

32

3 2

34
32

32

32

32
32

t

*

32
32

r

32 32
32 3^

3:00

IO

32

32

32

3 2

t

t

-I- t

4:00

32' t

32

t

!

"Leaky, t frozen. JHursted.

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CAXTEliX
TEST No. 52.

69

Out-

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Hour.

side

Every canteen and flask filled to its capacity.

A

B

C i D E

F

0|H

i

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R S

T

a .111 .

1

8:OO; + 2
9:00! 2

I78I78

* 4 6 1 08

1781 J 1178178

* 4 6! i 60*98

178
138

178
138

178
124

I 7 8
130

I 7 8
1 06

*
*

+

*

I 7 8

*4o

178
1.34

178,178
134736

I 7 8

I O:00

4

32 74

32 ! 32 80

no no

94

102

76

32

1 08

io8|iio

IO2

I I :00 8

32 56

32

62

90

98

78

80

54

t

90

88| 90

86

I 2 111. 1 IO

32 42

32 t

4 8

76

86

62

66

40

76

74J 76

70

]). 111.

1:00 12

.32

36

t

38

66

74

52

S4

34

64

62j 64

60

2:00

12

32

32

32

56

66

44

44

32

56

54 S 6

50

3:00

H

32 32

32

46

58

38

38

32

48

46 48

44

4:00

H

32 32

32

38

54

34

34

32

42

40| 42

40

* Leaky. fFrozen. JHursted.

TEST No. 51*.

Hour.

Out-
side
Temp.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Conditions same as in Test No. 52.

A

B C

D

E | F

G

H

l _

K

L

M

N

P

Q

R

s |T

a m .

I

S:oo

+18

1 68

168 168

1 68

1 68

1 68

1 68

1 68

168 168

1 68

I68l68

168

1 68

1 68

I68l68l68

9:00

20

1 08

126 :

+
+

86

112

n8

140

138

138

124

-h +

* ! +

+
4>

+

140

140138 140

10:00

22

78

1 06

56

00

1 20

126

118

118

IOO

122

124 118

116

1 1 :OO

24

58

86

38

72

102

112

IO2

98

80

106

1041102

98

12 111.

24

48

70

34

60

00

100

88 86

68

94

92

90,

86

p. in.

1:00

28

42

62

32

52

78

92

78i 76

S8

84

80

78

74

2:OO

26

36

5 2

32

44

68

84

68 64

So

74

72

70

66

;:oo

24

34

46

32

40

62

76

66

58

44

66

64

62

60

4:00

24

3 2

44

32

38

56

72

56

52

42

62

60

58

54

*Leaky. t Frozen. JHursted.

TEST No. 54.

l'emperature of Water in Canteens.

Out-
>ur side
Temp.

Same canteens, conditions, etc., as in Test No. 53, except that a snow storm
prevailed most of the time covered by the test.

A

B

c

D

E

F

G

H

1

K

L

M

N

O

P Q

R S

T

in.

:00 +22
:OOJ 24

170

116

170
132

I 7

106

I/O
146

170
I4O

170
I SO

170

138

170

136

170

128

I70I70I70
146 144 146

170
I 4 2

:OO| 26 .

82

104

70

114

1 2O

132

116

II 4

104

124

126 122

118

:oo 26
> i

66

88

52

94

IO2

1 2O

1 02

98

88

I 10

no'io6

104

n. |
:ooi 28

52

74

42

78

9

1 10

SS 86

72

98

9 6

94

90

111.

:oo 30

46

66

38

68

80 IO2

80

78

64

88

86

84

80

:oo 30

40

58

36

58

72

92

70

68

56

80

78

74

70

:oo 30
:oo| 28

38
36

52
48

32
32

50

44

64
60

84

So

64
58

62
56

5
46

72

! 66

70 66

6 4 | 60

64
58

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN,

fay/told $

r*f/e fe/t coi/er, Capacity f ox. f/t*rd
measure, WerySrt 9 ox

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

TEST No. 55.

Out-

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Hour.

side

Each canteen filled.

A

B | C

D

E

K

G

H

1

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S 1 T

a.m.

8.00
9.00
10.00

tl2

8
8

r

52 5 2
38
32

r

52

*42

36

5 2
42

36

52

42
36

42

34

38
32

52
42
36

52
42
36

52
42
36

52
42

34

II. OO

8

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

ID.

12. OO

10

32

32

32

32

3 2

t

32

32

32

32

p. m.

1. 00

14

32

32

32

32

32

'

32

32

32

32

2.OO

16

32

32

32

32

t

32

32

32

32

3.00

4.00

18

22

+

32

32
32

32
t

V

3 t

32
32

r

32

32

f Leaky. f.Krozen. JBursted.

TEST No. 5G.

Out

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Hour.

side

Each canteen filled.

Temp.

A

H

c

D

E I F

G

H

1

K

L

M I N

O

P

g | R

s

T

a.m.

7 So

*2 4

50

50

50 50

50

50

50

50

50

SO

So

So

8.50

26

4

42

36

* 4 6

46

46

46

42

46

46

46

44

Q-.So

26

34

40

3 2

42

44

42

4 2

38

42

44

42

42

10.50

30

34

36

32

40

42

4

4

36

40

42

42

40

11.50

32

34

34

32

38

40

38

40

34

40

40

40

38

p. m.

12.50

34

34

34

32

38

40

38

40

34

38

40

40

38

1.50

36

34

34

34

38

40

36

38

34

38

40

40

38

2:50

38

36

34

36

36

3

36

38

36

38

38

38

38

3-50

3

36

3i

36]

38

38

38

38

36

J

38

38

38

38

'Leaky.

TEST No. 57.

Out-
side
Temp.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

It rained during part of the time. All canteens filled.

A j B | C

D

E

F

G

H

I

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

s

T

-,2

S2

S2

S2

S2

S2

52

S2

S2

52

S2

S2

34

46

44

40

50

52

46

4 6

48

4 6

4 6

34

4

42

36

42

4 6

50

42

4*

46

44

44

40 40

36

42

44

46

40

44

44

44

42

38

40

38

38

42

44

46

40

42

44

42

42

42

40

40

40

42

44

4 6

40

42

44

42

42

42

42

40

40

42

44

44

42

42

44

42, 42

40

40

40

40

42

42

44

42

42

44

4 2

42

40

40

,38

4

42

42

42

40

42

42

42

42

"Leaky.

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

TEST No. 58.

Hour

OiU-
side
Tern.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Every canteen was filled to its capacity.

A

K

c

D

E

F

G

H

I

K

L

M

JN

O

P

Q

R

s

T

u

a.m.

7.45

+ 12

54

S4

54

*54

54

54

54

54

54

54

54

54

MS

!>.4o

12
14

34
32

38

>2

f

42

38

44
38

46
40

3<>

32

42 42
36 36

42
36

42
36

42
38

10.4;,

4

32| 32

32

32

34

32

32

32

32

32

34

II. 4-.

16

32 32

32

32

32

32

32

32

3 2

32

32

p. m.

12.45

r6

V

^2

32

32

32

t

32 32

32

32

3 2

1.45

16

32

t

32

32

32

3 2

32

32

32

32

2.4!)

18

t

32

32

32

32

32

32

3 2 32

3.45

18

32

32

t

t 32

32

32, 32

*Leaky. fFrozen.

TEST No. 59.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Hour

\j ui-

side
Tern.

All conditions identical with Test No. 58.

A

B

c

D

E

F

G

H

I

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

u

a.m.

1

7.50

-4

5 2

52|

52

52

5 2

52

5 2

S 2

52

S 2

5 2

52

8.50
9.50

4

4

r

r

r

*3
32

38
32

42
32

32

32

38
32

36

32

36
32

36 36

32 32

10.50

2

32

32

32

t

32

32

32

3 2

32

11.50

O

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

p.m.

12.50

t

32

32

32

3 2

1.50

+ 2

32

32

32

32

32

32 32

2.50

2

3 2

32

32

3 2

32

32; 32

3.50

4

j

32

32

32

32

32

32; 32

"Leaky. fFrozen. {Bursted.

TEST No. <>0.

Out-

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Hour.

side

All the canteens were filled. Snow fell during a portion of the time covered by test .

A

B

c

1)

E

F

G

H

I

K

I:

M

N

O

P

Q | R

s

T

u

S.ooa.m.

+ 2

170

170

170 170

170

170

170 170

170

170

170

9.00 "

2

108

104

138 136

136

128

138

142

138

136

142

10.00 "

10

70

64

108 112

114

94

118

118

114

116

II.OO "

H

52

42

86

96

94

74

IOO

IOO

94

IOO

12.00111.

18

40

32

72

82

80

60

86

86

84

80

86

i.oop. m.

20

34

32

60

70

70

50

74

74

76

70

74

2.OO "

22

32

32

48

60

60

42

64

64

62

60

64

3.00 "

22

3 2

32

42

54

52

36

$6

56

56

52

56

4.00 "

20

32

32

38 46

46

32

50

50

5 46

50

Memorandum made of the fact that Canteen "L" held 60 fluid ozs. when capacity
was measured prior to Test No. 37. Owing to dilation due to freezing, its capacity
was 64 fluid ozs. when Test No. 60 was made.

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.
TEST No. 61.

73

Out-

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Hour.

side

All the canteens were filled

A

B C

I

D

E

F

G

M

i

K

L

M

N

P

Q

R

s

T

u

7.5011.111.
8.50 "

+ 2

172
9

172

66

172
136

172
I 3

172
132

172
112

172

138

I 7 2
I 3 6

172

172

H4

172

n6

9.50 "

4

52

32

I O2

1 08

104!

78

112

106 108

106

no

10.50 "

8

34

32

80

86

84

56

92

86

86

86

88

11.50 "

12

32

32

60

70

66

76

70

72

68

70

12. 5op. in.

H

3 2

32

4 8

60

5 6

34

6 4

58

62

58

60

1.50 "

18

32

t

38

50

48

32

54

50

C2

So

SO

2.50

20

32

32

44

40

32

46

42

44

42

44

3-50

20

32

32

38

361

32

42

38

40

38

38

t Frozen.

TEST No. 62.

Hour.

Out-
side

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

All the canteens were filled.

A

15

c

I)

E

F

G

u

i

K

L

M

N

P

Q

R

s

i | u

8.ooa.m.

+20

168

1 68

1 68

1 68

1 68

168

1 68

1 68

1 68

i68'i68

9.00 "

2O

1 08

90

136

138

136

124

140

138

140

140 138

o.oo "

2O

74

54

1 08

116

112

94

118

118

118

114 118

I.OO "

20

52

36

82

96

94

72

106

98

98

96

98

2.OO111.

2O

40

32

64

80

80

86

84

82

80

84

I. oop.m.

20

32

32

So

68

68

48

76

72

70

70

74

2.OO "

22

32

32

42

60

S8

40

66

62

62

60

64

3.00 "

4.00 "

22
2O

a

32
32

3 2
3 2

4
46

46

34

32

56
50

54

48

8

Is

&

TEST No.

Hour.

Out

ide

Temperature.of Water in Canteens.

All the canteens were filled.

T.

A

B Cl E

G

H

I

L

o

R | S

T

U

V

w

X

1

*

a. in.

8:00 +14

184

184

I8 4

184

184

I8 4

184

I8 4

184

9:00 16

100

90

144

144

130

150

144

144

140

148

10.00 26

7

54

122

122

100

126

122

122

120

124

1 1 :oo 28

54

40

102

I O2

80

1 06

106

IO4

IOO

106

12111.

3

44

34

88

86 66

94

88

88

86

92

1>. Ill

i

1 :00 32

40

32

78 : /6

56

82

80

80

76

82

2:OO

3/1

38

32

68 68

SO 72

70

60

68

72

3 :CO
4:00

36

16

$

58
58 ,

56 46
5 6 44

66

62

64
60

64
60

62
56

66
60

74

Out

Hour, side

HISTORY OK TIIK MILITARY C'AXTKKX,
TEST No. (54.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Each canteen was filled.

1.

A

B

C

E

G

H

I

L

Q

R| S

T

U V

W

X

a. in.

7-45 +26

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

8-45

30

40

40

44

44

44

44

46

44

44

46

9 45

34

36

42

42

40

42

42

42

42

44

10. "5

38

38

38

42

42

40

42

42

42

42

42

"45

38

42

40

40

42

42

42

42

42

p. m.

12-45

36

36

33

40

40

38

40

40

40

40

42

i-45

34

36

36

40

38

38

40

40

40

40

40

2-45

34

34

34

38

36

40

38

38

38

38

345

3?

32

34

3 6

3 6

34

38

36

38

36

TEST No. 65.

Hour.

Out-
side
Temp.

Temperature of Water in Canteen.

Each canteen was full.

A

B

(J

E

G

H

I ! L

Q

R

S | T U

V

W

X

8.15 a. m

QIC "

+38

38
4
4
42
42
42
4
38

162

IO2

/6
62

56

5

48

44
42

162

82

56
46

44
44
44
42
40

162

136
II 4

100

90
80
70

66

60

162
138
124
112
102

94
88
84
J7 6

162
132
114

100

88
76
70
64
60

162
118

9 2
78
68
60
54

5 2

46

162
138
118
104
92
82
76
68
62

162

134
112

g

78
70
64
60

162

134
114
100

90
80
72

66
60

162
132

112

9 8

86
76
70

4

60

162
132

112
98

88
78
7 2

A 4
60

162

IOO

74
64
56
52

5 2
46

42

162
76

52

44
44
44
42
* 4 o
40

162
74
5o
44
42
42
42
*<o
40

IO.I5 "
I I. I 5 "

12.15 p. m
TIC "

2 15 "
3-15 "

4 15

"Leaky. Leakage in "W" and "X" occurred at points where lugs were riveted to the flask.

TEST No. 60.

Each canteen was full. A severe snowstorm continuously prevailed during this
test. All canteens were suspended from a trestle and exposed to a high wind which
kept them in motion.

Hour.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.
Outside

Temperature. \

B

C E

G

H| I |L|Q|R

s

T

u

V

w

X

+21 ^0

21 3 8
21 32
21 32
21 31

5050
36:50

3640
3236
32134

1 1
50 50; 50 50 50

5050484644
44^0364038
421363436134
40323234134

50

44
38
34
34

5

46

38
34
3- 1

5 ?

46

38
34
34

50

38
32
32
32

50

36

50

34
32
32
32

1 2 CO TH . . - .

^00 "

t !' rozen.

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

75

/V /Ot/l>

vWtaw Jrmy BoHU *M India* Anny &ttlt
car&vre fook. *>ikou4 cover.

Wo.

ai FtasJc Hl Skit

A!. /02/c

Jndta* Army Bettl*
affd Jrajryitry strap .

Abunumm ffas&S from tfa. Lanx Af/y. <&, C*i<x.yQ. Mutely fTMttmBvy.

7 6

HISTORY OF T1IK MILITARY CANTEEN.
TEST No. 67.

Each canteen was full. A snowstorm prevailed during first half of test. All
the canteens were suspended from a trestle so that free circulation obtained.

H - Temper,

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

A E

G

H

i

L

Q

R) S

T| U|V

W X

+16

20
2O
20

18

18
19
19

1

r

50

42
38

34

32
32
32

32
32

5
40
40

38

%

34

r

5
40

?

50
36
32
32
32
32
32
32
32

50
40

36

32
32

32

%

5050
40 40

3638
3636
3235
3234
3232
3232
32 t

505050
404036

40 38(32

3836:32

323 2 |32

323232
32 32 32

^232 t

t I 3 2|

20

t

50

32
32

JV

j. jv

* O u
37O " .........

JV

4-3

fFrozen.

TEST No. 68.

Each filled canteen was plunged into a snowbank, and kept buried in the snow
through the period of the test eight and one-half hours.

Hour.

Outside
Temperature. A E G H I I

8. 30 a. m .
10.00 "
i i.oo " .
I2.OO in. .

i . oo p. in

2.00 " .

3-oo .

4.00 " .

5.00

+25

20
26
12
32
30
31
32
32

Temperature of V>"atcr in Canteens.

X~15 ATT

3242

3232403 ._
32324038138

5232

38 42 38 40 40

;8!38

344038

60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60^ 69 6060 60

42 48 52 42:46 42 42^4 42146 48 4OJ32J42 I 5O 48

38 36 48 42|44J42j42|42 42 44J46 38:32J34 I 5O 34

3632

4034

32

TIT ^ +J

v 38 4*4042 40 40 44 44^36 32

42 40 40 40 40,40 4i42|52 3 6 38132,46

38424436343242
384014035323238
383813834321323632

' 381383432132134

PRACTICAL SERVICE CONDITIONS SIMULATED BY TESTS OF CANTEENS.

In making tests of canteens and canteen flasks, effort has been
made to simulate conditions of military service as nearly as possible.
In every test it has been assumed that a soldier is equipped with a
canteen capable of holding about three (3) pints of water; further,
that he is in the open air for a period of eight (8) hours, at the
expiration of which time his canteen has either been emptied,
partly emptied, or refilled. In some of the tests it has been assumed
that the season of the year was summer ; in other tests that the
season was winter.

All canteens, or canteen flasks or water bottles, have been sub-
jected to the same, and uniform, tests. In my tests, the present
regulation service canteen has been included ; this to aid in consider-
ing the question of relative merit. The canteens have not been of
the same dimensions or capacity, but the tests have been so varied
as to insure fairness.

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN. 77

METHODS OF TESTING CANTEENS, CANTEEN FLASKS, WATER BOT-
TLES, ETC., INTENDED FOR USE IN THE MILITARY SERV-
ICE, OBSERVED AT HEADQUARTERS, DEPART-
MENT OF DAKOTA, ST. PAUL,
MINNESOTA.

Every part of each canteen, flask, inner cover, outer cover, cork,
etc., was examined as to material, quality, construction, weight, etc.

Capacity of flasks in fluid ounces noted.

Weight of felt, canvas, duck, or other material employed as cov-
ering, separately taken, when saturated.

The canteen was then immersed for period varying from thirty
seconds to twelve (12) hours, and the total weight taken.

The canteen flask was then filled with water, the temperature
of which varied from 40 degrees F. to 178 degrees F., and exposed
usually for a period of eight days, each canteen having an exposure
each day of eight (8) consecutive hours to an open air temperature
varying from minus 10 degrees, F., to plus 125 degrees, F.

In some cases the canteen flask was not filled when so exposed.
In some cases hot coffee or hot tea was used instead of water. In
some of the tests the exterior surface of the canteen was wet before
the test. In some of the tests the exterior surface of the canteen
was dry before and during the test. Experiments were made with
both wet and dry covers.

Tests were equitable and impartial. No unfair interference with
any canteen during a test as by wetting or adjusting was prac-
ticed. When conditions or positions or environments were changed
during the progress of a test, record of same was noted and made.

In some of the tests the canteens were suspended from a trestle
or tree, where free circulation and exposure to air, light and heat
or cold, was maintained, without contact, for several hours.

Some of the tests involved attaching the canteen to the saddle
and subsequent transportation for several hours, the canteens being-
attached in such a manner as to receive warmth from the body of
the horse.

In some cases the filled, or partly filled, canteen was thrown
into an army wagon and so jolted around for a day more or less
on a hunting or fishing trip, the tests being made during the trip or
immediately at its conclusion.

Mercurial thermometers were used in testing, uniform make,
selected for uniform readings. None others employed.

Beside each canteen, or between the canteens, wLen suspended

78 HISTORY <>F TIIK MILITARY CAXTKKX.

and whenever possible at all. a thermometer was hung from which
hourly readings were taken by insertions in the iluid within the
canteen. Outside temperature taken hourly on the spot. Ther-
mometers were frequently compared and verified. See cut of Trestle
used.

During some of the tests a few ounces of water were taken from
the canteens every hour or so. \Yhen this was done the water was
not replaced.

The tests cover a period embracing spring, summer, fall, winter,
and were made in many localities.

During some of the tests the canteen was kept in constant
motion by the wind, or by jolting on a moving bicycle, or by pre-
vailing rain or. snow storms. In the majority of the tests, tropical
condition or frigid conditions did not have to be simulated ; they
prevailed.

In some cases the canteen was tested by laying on the grass or
the ground, on the sand, on a window sill of granite, under canvas,
on a government blanket, tent floor, house top or roof ; the position
being either flat, tipped tip, etc. Sometimes the cantcents were laid
on the snow, or in contact with ice.

In exceptional cases, the canteen was placed in a hot air sterilizer,
used as an incubator; or in a cold storage room, or beer vault of
uniform temperature, thermometer always with it, but I have con-
cluded that these, being artificial tests, are unsafe guides.

An exceptional manner of testing it was to place the canteen
so as to receive the direct action of a fire f ! om a fire-place cr stove ;
or in an oven, or the direct or indirect action of a steam or hot air
radiator. Some were hung over boilers in such manner as to secure
high and uniform temperature. Some were exposed under glass
covers exposed to the sun and so placed as to allow free access of
air.

All of these tests reported from these headquarters were made
by one person. No other person handled the canteens or thermome-
ters. In these latter tests the canteens under trial, and thermometers,
remained in the hands of that person.

In cases where a canteen became from any cause too leaky for
further use, or burst, or collapsed, it was replaced when practicable
by another of the same kind and the latter treated as a new canteen.

When a canteen passed through the regular tests, i. e., eight
days of eight consecutive hours each, it was subjected to supple-
mentary tests to determine its endurance, etc.

HISTORY OF Till-: MILITARY CANTEEN. 79

In military service any and every canteen is certain to l>c sub-
jected to hard usage; to be knocked about, to be bent or battered;
hence a fair degree of tensile strength, durability and rigidity is a
requisite to be taken into consideration.

ALUMINUM AS A MATERIAL FOR CANTEEN FLASKS.

The working of aluminum by forging, rolling, stamping, spin-
ning, casting, joining and Finishing may yet include the production
of an American-made canteen in a single piece suited to military
service.

Of all the European countries, Italy is probably as far advanced
as any in the utilization of aluminum for practical and scientific
purposes. In the army, aluminum is there used to make the fuses for
the shells of their guns. In the navy for searchlight purposes, furni-
ture on board torpedo destroyers, also in the metallic part of telephone
apparatus.

Aluminum is used in the British army for officers' outfits; for
water bottles ; cavalry mess kits ; "Chitral" canteens ; infantry can-
teens ; regimental mess utensils and table w r are.

The British army infantry aluminum canteen consists of an
outside pot about ?J inches in diameter by 7 inches deep, with lid
and loose handle for packing, military camp kettle with folding
handles and detachable spout, one set of three cups, each with fold-
ing handle, nested, and tea ball, all fitting inside kettle. In addition
to the above are included 3 plates, knives, forks, dessert and tea
spoons, and three condiment boxes. The whole of these are packed
in the outside pot, ?J inches by 7 inches, and the total weight is about
four pounds.

One maker has designed a canteen for either two, three, or four
persons, and named it "Chitral." This has proved a great success,
as it is a frequent custom for two, three or four officers to mess
together, and by combining they can reduce their kit very consider-
ably. The "Chitral" canteen consists of a deep outer pot, loj inches
in diameter by 10 inches deep, and made of stout metal to stand
knocking about. The lid of this is a similar pot which drops over the
top, but shallower, and thus forms a telescopic parcel, as it were, in
case of extra articles to be crowded into the canteen.

Inside this pot are fitted a camp kettle, sugar, tea, cofifee, and
flour boxes, tea ball, three condiment boxes, cups and saucers, dinner
and soup plates, drinking cups and flask, and wine mugs, these
latter all nesting, liquor cups, frying pan with folding handle,
knives, forks, dessert and tea spoons, and loose handle for pot and

cSo

HISTORY OF TH1-: .MILITARY CAXTLEX.

cc

fro/n t/re JhZuyue Jotva, trantetr*tf Co., Capactfy #? % /fatd, eunces .
hreifJrt. /M/ed, ewers on ancL dry, a&otri'/Mn's 4&. tretf &,&//&,
.art, efter ten minutes ittrtnersio/tjCLvoirclufyots ? e>Ktrc$>.
vftfre err<tnre.l*d, ftasA,, estyofy o covers ott , /6 4 ox. av.

HISTORY OF THK MILITARY CANTEEN. 8l

lid. Tlit whole is held together with a stout strap and forms a
most convenient parcel for transport.

A variety of other similar canteens and mess tins in aluminum
are being made according to the various requirements of different
regimental officers, but the above has been turned out at the rate of
some hundreds per week during the last four months, and the
demand is as great as ever.

Some of the larger regimental messes of the various army corps
as they left England went so far as to adopt aluminum entirely in
place of copper, iron, tin, porcelain, earthenware, glass, etc. I
mean by this that not only were the kitchens equipped with aluminum
utensils, but the officers used aluminum exclusively at the mess
table. Wine glasses, decanters, milk jugs, teapots, candlesticks,
trays, in fact nothing but aluminum was taken so long as makers
could be found who had a stock of such articles in aluminum or
could make them in the short time required.

I have had frequent conversations with officers on their return
from various campaigns, both from India, Egypt, and West Africa,
during the last few years, who have taken out and used aluminum
kits, and they have assured me that they have no fault to find with
the metal and failed to conceive why the metal was not adopted at
once throughout the service.

There is every prospect for a further demand and use of alu-
minum for military purposes.

The British-Boer War in South Africa has stimulated a demand
for aluminum field cooking and messing outfits, thus spreading the
fame of aluminum and knowledge of its advantages for portable
gear among a class of men who will understand and appreciate
them.

The German Army, as well as the field forces of other con-
tinental powers, are equipped with aluminum, and the dead weight
per man of superfluous ornamentation and equipment has been con-
siderably reduced, tending to increased efficiency as a fighting unit.

At a meeting of the A fining arid Metallurgical Section of the
Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, Joseph A. Steinmetz stated that
the plants now producing aluminum are those of the Pittsburg
Reduction Company, at New Kensington, Pa., and Niagara Falls,
X. Y. ; the British Aluminum Company, of England; the Aluminum
Industrie Actien Gesellschaft, at Neuhausen, at the Falls of the
Rhine, in Switzerland ; the Societe Electrometallurgique Francaise,
at La Praz; the Societe Industrielle de rAluminum, at St. Michel,
in France. There are also several large plants projected and in

82 HISTORY OF Till-: MILITARY CAXTKEX.

course of construction, notably upon the St. Lawrence River, in
Canada, and at Rheinfelden and Salzburg, in Germany.

The aluminum canteen flasks met the test of exposure in the open
air to a temperature varying from 10 degrees F. to 2 degrees F.
better than the tin flasks. In durability 'they would better fulfill
the requirements of actual use, so exposed.

Their cost will be contingent on the market price of aluminum,
which metal has been constantly cheapening since its first introduc-
tion for manufacturing purposes.

The variety of shape, construction, sizes, style, etc., of aluminum
canteen flasks and water bottles is increasing, and American manu-
facturers have shown a determination to compete with the oldest
European aluminum industries, as well as with one another.

It is claimed that it takes only one-third of a pound of aluminum
to take the place of a pound of brass, tin, or copper. Assuming
this, the price of one-third of a pound of aluminum compared with
that of one pound of brass, copper, or tin, stands as follows : One-
third pound of aluminum n cents ; one pound of brass, 15 cents ; one
pound of copper, 75 cents ; one pound of tin, 30 cents.

Probably some of the aluminum canteen flasks, or canteens,
tested by me have been alloyed with, perhaps, five per cent of cop-
per, nickel, or manganese, or a larger percentage of zinc added to
give strength and rigidity. Canteens F, M, N, and O, appear to be
a hard white alloy and are polished. Flasks D and K, also canteen
L, are soft, malleable, silky, tough, and satin finished, elastic, un-
polished. Their elastic qualities are especially apparent in a freez-
ing environment when they commence to bulge, but not rupture or
break, as the water within the flask begins to congeal. When the
water is converted into ice, an expansion ensues, the ductile alum-
inum yields to the pressure, the concave side becomes protuberant
and permanently swelled, bellying outwardly. The distension of
flask D from this cause increased its capacity twenty per cent (20),
before its eighth trial. The metal dilated, permanently, but did
not leak, at the ninth trial. It is not resilient. See cuts D and L.

Canteen P, is unpolished. Flasks N and O do not stand up as
well as the German made flasks. The fifth day of the trial showed a
slight leak in each N and O, although the firm says in a communi-
cation to me : "We beg to advise you that of the various shapes of
aluminum canteens that we have made, there is not a single one that
we have soldered * * * We have devised ways a-nd means of
making them water tight without solder."

At first, when flasks or canteens were tested in the open air,

HISTORY 01-' THE MILITARY CANTEEN. 83

when the temperament hccamc sueli that they were in danger of
freezing, I withdrew them ; but, latterly, I have allowed them to
freeze. This was to test them to the limit of their endurance and
specially to discover, if possible, whether any of the so-called water-
tight, one-piece, or seamless, flasks had been soldered in such wise
as to show no lines of juncture, etc., visible outwardly. Also be-
cause the manufacturers alleged that they were water-tight. The
number of people who want to take the United States into partner-
ship with them in altruistic ventures is very great. Manufacturers
are willing to get up so-and-so many thousand devices, provided
the United States will give a guarantee in advance. One benefactor
of soldiers writes, in substance, that, knowing the dependence of man
upon his canteen in an arid region, he is ready to utilize envelopes
of frozen liquir air for the canteen flask, if the War Department
will advance him the cost of the plant involved and necessary for
the invention, which is not patented. Another suggests indurated
fiber and wood pulp as the material for flasks. Another writes "I'
could make a canteen in two pieces that would answer all require-
ments. I have no money to burn, and so do not propose to experi-
ment on same. If there was a contract in prospect, no doubt but
I should struggle for the contract."

Mr. Joseph Koenig, Manager of the Two Rivers, Wis., Alum-
inum Manufacturing Co., writes as follows: "We are asked by
Messrs. Lanz, Owen & Co., Chicago, Ills., to make a canteen which
is to hold about forty-eight ounces of fluid, and to be of seamless
metal.

"We certainly think that aluminum is the proper metal, as we un-
derstand the German army is equipped with these. The same has
not been manufactured, so far, in the United States ; but we could
do this work, if there was any possible chance of getting the govern-
ment contract for the same.

"To make one of these canteens means to go to an expense of
$500 for tools and experiments, and unless there is a possibility of
getting a contract, it would not pay to undertake this expense. This
is probably the only reason why no one has manufactured this can-
teen, as yet, in the United States.

"This canteen, if it be made of one piece, could not be round as
the present canteen is, but would have to be oblong, being higher
than wide at its widest direction ; depressed on its body side, rounded
on the other side.

We have no doubt at all in our mind, but that this is the can for
the purpose, if spun of pure aluminum, not of any alloy of any kind.

84 HISTORY 01' THE MILITAKY C.\ NTKI . N I.

unless the IK-W mainu^ian :dliy slmuM In- proven IIHMV superior than
llic pure aluminum.

We understand that the Government cannot undertake to give
a contract before the article is made and tested, but is it not possible
that the Government can advance a small amount, say $200, to pro-
duce some samples for a test ?

We would then be willing to stand the rest of the expense, know-
ing that we would have some prospects of obtaining the contract.
We do not care to spend time for experimental purposes and finally
only have competitors to meet on exceptionally low rates, and have
the same tendency to use thinner metal and price cutting evolved
that always takes place on new articles. If this is the case, we
would not care to give you any figure on the same and would not
bother with them. If you will advance money on the experimental
work, will go ahead after the article has developed. So far as we
see, these canteens have not been made in the United States. If we
did not know what difficulties were involved we would not ask you
to show us consideration if we undertake these experiments and
make up the tools for the article. We certainly can make the can-
teens ; it is only a matter of cost for the tools. Cast aluminum will
not stand the wear. It will corrode. The flasks will have to be spun,
not of absolutely pure aluminum.''

The economy attending the use of aluminum as a substitute for
tin in flasks of canteens intended for use in the military service of the
United States cannot be now dwelt upon for various reasons, one of
which reasons is that no canteen flask made of aluminum or its
alloys, made in the United States, has yet been presented to me that
co'mpared favorably with the German made canteens loaned me for
trial by the Lanz Canteen Co., of Chicago, 111.

The aluminum canteen flasks furnished me by the firm last named
were probably spun ; they were single piece ; they did not leak ; the
Lanz Canteen Co. did not quote their cost or selling price.

All of the aluminum canteens from the New Jersey Co., four in
. number, leaked.

The same defect, viz. : leakage, existed in the trials made of the
aluminum canteen submitted for test by the Broadway, X. Y. City,
firm.

So far as my tests are concerned, no flask made from more than
one piece of aluminum or aluminoid has withstood, without disjunc-
tions and leakage, the variations of temperature ranging from minus
10 F. to plus 125 F. Blueprints accompanying this report show
graphically that the flasks submitted for test by the Jersey Aluminum

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

(/. <5. Ar/tty J&ytt/atie* fcrutce Trh Ffaik,
0r<J*anc<t faittirir. no cwcr.
/X ox.

Arrow sJie3 nbtrt fafafe kjan

86 HISTORY OF THE MILITARY (A .\ IKKN .

Co., also the kcymoiul & Gottlob canteen, in common with the
Dubuque Stamping & Enamel Co. canteen, also the tin llask I'. S.
regulation service canteen, all leaked where the pieces had been
joined. The small Karlsruhe, Baden, Germany, flask, is probably
pure spun aluminum in one piece. It stood the test remarkably well,
bursting only after its capacity increased from 25 to 30 ounces. In
Test No. 59 the capacity of Canteen L increased from 60 to 64
ounces it did not burst.

Janney, Steinmets & Co., Manufacturers of Aluminum, Mr.
Joseph A. Janney, Jr., and Joseph A. Steinmetz., Drexel Building,
Philadelphia, Pa., were among the earliest advocates of aluminum as
a metal for army canteens. The firm, at one time, had samples of the
army canteens of France, Russia, Germany, England, and Air.
Steinmetz states, recommended certain canteen improvements to cer-
tain military authorities. He alleges willingness to have his foreign
agents secure from military depots abroad, canteens more sanitary
than the present regulation flask canteen, of which Mr. Steinmetz
writes as follows: "The present U. S. Army tin canteen, which is
practically the same, with its rough edges and abominably inserted,
separate, neck piece, which prevents the canteen ever being drained
or cleaned, is, without doubt, a worse death-breeder in our army thar
all the combined opposing forces that we have ever met in battle, is a
matter of cheap economics. Then, too, the expense of

making up a lot of samples which would naturally be expected to
be donated, is not to be considered from a business point of view,
but the matter of the canteen has interested me very much indeed.
The canteen you have in mind \vill certainly cost more than the pres-
ent tin death-trap:'

The Wagner Aluminum Manufacturing Co., Sidney, Ohio, ad-
vertises that its combined production of hollow- ware cast aluminum,
two factories, is the largest in the world.

I am in receipt of two letters from this company and extract
as follows : <l We should be glad to experiment and see what could
be done in the line of aluminum canteens. We do all kinds of cast
aluminum work and believe it could be made much more durable,
as the metal can be alloyed to give it strength. When w 7 e wrote you
before, we were under the impression that it would be possible to cast
them in one piece, but, after studying the matter over, we have come
to the conclusion that it would be almost impossible to successfully
make them in one piece. * * We are sorry that we cannot see

our way clear to experiment and see what can be done with them.

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN. 8/

We are mailing you a copy of our catalogue and. think possibly
you may see something in our line of aluminum cooking utensils
that could be used in the army, or possibly you could suggest some
special patterns that could be made for army use. All of our goods
are made of cast aluminum and give the best of satisfaction even
when used very roughly, and are a great deal more durable than any
stamped or spun aluminum. We believe if cast aluminum was
adopted for cooking utensils in the army, they would give a great
deal better satisfaction than what is being used, for they, no doubt,
would be much more durable and lighter to carry."

The Pittsburg Reduction Co., Pittsburg and New Kensingston,
l\i., and Niagara Falls, N. Y., Manufacturers of Aluminum. This
organization has purchased the aluminum plant of the Hill, Whit-
ney & Wood Co., in Waltham, Mass., and will move it to New Ken-
sington, Westmoreland Co., Pa., as the nucleus of an aluminum
finishing department. Lieut. Col. Henry H. Whitney, Aide-de-
Camp to General Miles, and Major Wm. C. Brown, ist U. S.
Cavalry, are acquainted with the Secretary and General Manager
Arthur V. Davis. Reports regarding aluminum articles for Army
equipment have been made by the Officers named.

The Company bought a number of German canteens sometime
ago, two of which are now in my possession. They are made of a
solid piece of aluminum, by, I am told, Carl Berg, whose works
are at Eveking, Westphalia, Germany. See Cut V.

Mr. A. V. Davis says, regarding single piece, spun aluminum
flasks :

"The process of manufacture is the usual process of first spinning
and afterwards pressing by means of inside pressure.

The latter corresponds in general to an ordinary stamping
process except that the steel mould forming the shape is on the
outside rather than on the inside. The half formed utensil is put
into the die and pressure, usually by means of water, is applied to
the inside of the utensil until it swells out and conforms to the shaped
outside and retaining mould.

This company expects to take up the manufacture of single
piece canteens, provided there is a possibility of introducing such into
the Army, the object, of course, being profit to itself alone.

In a recent communication the General Manager also says: "In
regard to cast aluminum, we think it has both commercial and me-

88 HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

chanical objections. Cast aluminum, like any other cast metal, is
more or less porous, and we take it that chances of leaks in defect-
ive utensils should be permitted. Furthermore, to make a cast
utensil requires at least a thickness of 1-16 inch and usually -J-
inch, and this runs the weight and consequent expense to a high
figure.

"In regard to the use of tin, we take it that the objections are
not at all on the score of corrodibility, but on account of the me-
chanical quality of softness. A canteen made of sheet-tin (I sup-
pose, of course, you mean pure tin and not tin plate, the rusting
objections to which are obvious) would be too soft for practical
purposes. It would be nearly as soft as if made of lead. Further-
more the weight and price of tin as compared with aluminum would
be about three times as great."

New Jersey Aluminum Company. Mr. C. A. Kryttschnett,
Manager of the New Jersey Aluminum Co., Newark, X. J., writes:
"We take special note of your remarks that the German canteens
have surpassed anything of American manufacture ; allowing this
to be so, we do not believe the American could not do equally as
well if we were all given another chance. We have probably all
made the same mistake of trying to produce something cheap in-
stead of something strictly of first class quality, and, speaking for
ourselves, we did not know to what these canteens might be sub-
jected, but we knew that they would hold water; in fact, it was
hung up here in our establishment for six months without any leak-
ages ; but such tests as you have given them are mere severe than
anything we could have thought of. This is why we \vrote you
as w r e did that your tests would be valuable to the manufacturers of
canteens. We should very much like to have another trial at it, and,
if possible, to have you send us one of the German canteens ; per-
haps we might even improve on the same. Furthermore, we believe
it only to be fair and just to American manufacturers for Uncle
Sam to patronize home industry. We feel confident that canteens
can be made in this country that will meet all requirements."

Cast, vs. Stamped, Aluminum. The Griswold Manufacturing
Co., Erie, Pa., for the production of the "Erie cast aluminum ware ;
New York warerooms, 294 Pearl St., writes as follows: "We do
not make anything in the way of an aluminum flask. This would
naturally be made of our stamped ware."

The firm claims as a few points of merit of its hollow aluminum

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN. 89

cast ware as follows : "Each piece is cast solid in one piece, leaving
no seams or points to leak. Being cast, it is strong and stiff and
cannot be annealed by heat, while thin stamped aluminum ware
warps and becomes soft after being heated. Aluminum as a metal
leads for cooking utensils. The 'Erie' ware does not tarnish and
can be kept bright by cleaning same as silverware. It is solid,
without plating; no plating or enamel to wear off; no poisonous
metal; they are absolutely pure and will last for ever; cast all in
one piece ; no seams or rivets to leak ; no enamel to flake off ; rivets
are cast on the outside of the piece, leaving no marks inside ; light
and strong; either polished or satin finish; fruit acids do not affect
it ; will not tarnish ; no solder used ; no rust ; practically incorro-
dible ; no cracking or shelling off, all of the porcelain, agate and
enameled ware of various kinds shell off, the cause being that the
latter (like the Dubuque Stamping & Enamel Co. canteen) are a
combination of mineral and metal, one expanding under conditions
which make the other contract, and vice versa, resulting in a gen-
eral disintegration of the whole."

The firm claims that the superiority of the "Erie" cast alum-
inum ware over the stamped aluminum ware is manifest by the
following physical property of the metal :

Aluminum hardens remarkably when it is being worked by press-
ing, forging, rolling, stamping, or other similar treatments. The
working imparts stiffness or temper, same as in high brass or copper.
A vessel made from sheet aluminum, stiffened as above, when it
is put over the fire and heated and then allowed to cool, is annealed ;
after heating a few times it becomes soft like lead, whereas the
metal in the cast ware is melted and chilled in the mould and cannot
be annealed. Again, to make a casting, it is three or four times
thicker than the stamped, therefore it is stronger, holds and con-
ducts the heat better and is less liable to burn or scorch. Lastly,
much better shaped vessels can be made by casting than by stamp-
ing. Cast ware, though higher priced at first than stamped, is
cheaper in the end. An extraordinary feature of aluminum is its
heat-retaining or non-radiating attributes. Aluminum discoloration
can be prevented with one-half the care bestowed on other metals
by using liquid solerine to clean with.

Aluminum solder for Canteens. A satisfactory solder for use
on any metal should fulfill the following requirements: I. It should
fuse readily. 2. It must alloy easily with the metal, in common
parlance it must "bite." 3. It must be tough. 4. It must not disin-

HISTORY or THL-: MILITARY CANTEEN.

Ga&retac/re.
use of ^feu/ffeoC G/ficers {/.

Md&r, for the

Sca/e:

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN. 91

tegrate. 5. It must have the same color as the metal. 6. It should
not discolor with age. 7. It should not he too expensive. 8. It
must How into a joint. 9. For joining aluminum, it must stand
very near aluminum in the electro-chemical series, particularly zinc,
and carry its own flux.

Since aluminum has 'become a common metal, numerous invent-
ors and metallurgists have endeavored to produce a solder which
would unite pieces of the metal in the same way that brass, tin, and
other metals can be joined by a tin-lead solder. Most of the solders
produced have required the use of a blowpipe, or special tools or
fluxes, which are not handy for metal workers. All have disinteg-
rated after the canteen flask has been filled for five or six days
with water. Most of the solders contain lead, tin, bismuth or phos-
phorous, and discolor with age.

The "Aluminum World," published at 218 William St., N. Y.,
is authority for the statement that, although there are a number of
solders in the market, and one new one which promises good re-
sults, no solder has yet been produced that is valuable for canteen
purposes, the defect being that they did not hold when the joint got
wet, there being a galvanic action started between the aluminum
and the solder.

The Hill, Whitney & Wood Co., 115 Bacon St., Waltham, Mass.,
manufacturing specialists in "Aluminoid," also pure Aluminum,
either cast, stamped, or spun, write as follows : "We do not know
of any real practical solder or method of soldering aluminum can-
teens. There are two or three different solders, but none of these
work satisfactorily, or are practical for work of that kind. Rich-
ard's solder, sold by Janney & Steinmetz, Drexel Building, Phila-
delphia, and Green's solder, sold by Edward X. Cook. 144 Pine St.,
Providence, R. I., are the best we have used. A new solder has
come out recently called the "McAdamite Solder" (W. A. Mc-
Adams, 987 Kent St., Borough of Brooklyn, X. Y.). We have never
tried this, but have a sample in our office which we will try at the
first opportunity.

"Xone of the solder we have ever had will run or flow into a
joint readily, and therefore it makes a very difficult operation to
solder anything, and we avoid it as much as possible.

"We make a flask in two sizes, half a pint and pint, of one piece
of metal, which, of course, is much better than could possibly be
made of two pieces. We have experimented a little on the line of
making a canteen from one piece, but have not as yet completed our
experiment. We feel quite confident we can do it all right, although

C)2 HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

we might be compelled to change the shape a little from the regula-
tion shape now used by the army. \Ye shall continue our experi-
menting, and, if successful, will advise you later.

"We shall not consider an experiment with anything but a seam-
less canteen, as we do not think there is any solder that is reliable
for aluminum.

"In reeard to an aluminum canteen, we do not feel confident

O

that it would be altogether satisfactory, for the reason that it dis-
colors whisky after standing in it for some time.

"There is, however, no poisonous or injurious substance in the
metal, but possibly there would not be so much whisky drank if it
should be slightly discolored from the metal. I do not know that it
affects the taste in the least. We have sold quite a number of
flasks, and have people report to us that it discolored whisky.

"It would certainly be very much lighter than anything else
used and would not rust or corrode like tin or enameled ware.

"We see no reason why this metal should net be all right for
canteens. We know that the German army are, or have been, using
aluminum flasks and canteens, but do not know with what suc-
cess, nor whether they are made in one piece or soldered together.
They can be made in that way, but it is hardly practicable."

Janney & Steinmetz, Drexel Building, Philadelphia, Pa., Alum-
inum Merchants, state that Dr. Joseph Richards, of Lehigh Univer-
sity, Metallurgical and Chemical Department, School of Analytical
Chemistry, invented a solder recommended by Mr. J. C. Ashton,
General Manager of the Illinois Pure Aluminum Co., the largest
manufacturers of aluminum cooking utensils in the world. Fur-
ther that the Richards' solder is pronounced satisfactory by the
Aluminum Industrie Actien-Gesellschaft, the greatest aluminum
manufacturing company in the world. Also that the Pittsburg Re-
duction Co. uses it. Also that Xaval Contractors and Pay Inspect-
ors, 1", S. Xavy, have ordered supplies of it after careful and in-
telligent experiment.

"It is known," say Janney Steinmetz, "that either pure tin or
pure zinc will join aluminum, and it is a very common fault to note
that the bulk of the so-called solders are composed chiefly of those
metals, but the use of these worthless solders has caused heavy
losses to manufacturers of aluminum goods."

The lack of an easy solder more than anything else retards the
use of aluminum as a material for canteen flasks in the United
States. On the other hand, the German Arms and Ammunition
Factories, Berlin, Karlsruhe, write: "We will shortly manufao

HISTORY ui- THE MILITARY CANTEEN. 93

lure an aluminum flask No. 16, capacity 1.5 liter (^o ox.), with
ring's, and another one with loops (or ears), as samples. See blue-
prints "\V" and "\," herewith. The date (on specifications) fur-
nished by you, regarding the execution of the flask will, as far as
practicable, be taken into consideration, and, upon completion of
the samples, we will communicate to you our experiences gained
during the manufacture of the same. Later on, we will submit to
you counter propositions. The cork (or stopper) can be fastened
to the neck with a light chain."

The soldering of aluminum is not easy ; cannot be done by a
single modifications of old methods, such as soldering tinned iron.
Aluminum is like copper and black iron, not like tinned iron, and
the edges to be joined must be cleaned and hot and tinned (or coated)
and otherwise prepared for soldering; no flux of any description,
cither on the metal or on the joint, being used.

The property of aluminum which renders soldering so difficult
is very probably its easy oxidation. Although apparently resisting
oxidation very strongly, yet this resistance is not a simple process.
When a clean surface of aluminum is exposed to the atmosphere it
is instantly covered with a film of oxide, which, being continuous
and unalterable, protects the metal beneath it from further oxidation.
This film or oxide acts effectually to prevent any other metal from
coming in close enough contact with the aluminum beneath to alloy
with it, and thus soldering is prevented. The use of a flux to dis-
solve the oxide has been tried under all conditions, but none known
to the writer have been found practicable. The Richards' solder
was made upon the conclusion that that solder should contain its
own flux, so that the instant the film of oxide was removed the
solder proper would be simultaneously present to take hold of the
aluminum surface at the same instant it was cleaned from oxide. A
percentage of phosphorous was added to the alloy. Letters patent
on the use of an oxidizing agent, such as phosphorous in solder,
were granted in July, 1892 No. 478,238.

The Me Adamite Solder for Allumimim or its Alloys. Mr. W. A.
McAdams, 978 Kent Ave., Borough of Brooklyn, N. Y., advertises
as follows : "Upon large articles it is best to tin or cover the
articles with the solder by a copper soldering iron. Then to melt
them together by a hand brazing blow-pipe. This consists of two
pipes, one for gas and the other for air, which combine into one
mouthpiece for the blue flame. This to be blown by the mouth or
foot bellows. This hand brazing blow-pipe is much used for brazing

94

liicvck's. This l)low-pipc needs to be moved by hand alono- ,, r ahoiil
the joint or seam while the work remains slill.

A very neat way to do some kinds of work is to follow the iron
in the act of tinning (to cover) with a cloth and wipe off all the
solder from the surface possible. When this is done on both the
surfaces to be joined, lay in a piece of sheet solder and then melt
the parts together by a mouth blow-pipe, or other means of heat-
ing. This sheet solder will be sent at enough extra cost to cover
the cost of rolling.

"To solder a long seam edge to edge. This is quite difficult to
do because of the expansion and contraction of the sheet metal. First
clean, and then tin the edges with the solder, lay the work, if pos-
sible, upon asbestos board, and tack in places along the seam by
soldering and then fill in the spaces between. Use a soldering iron."

"Do not use any fluxes. This solder contains its own flux. Let
it be clearly understood that these solders do not flow into a joint
or seam ; they must be put there.

"All these solders are wonderfully strong and permanent. They
are warranted to last as long as the aluminum itself. There is no
decay or disintegration. They do not discolor by time. They
are almost the same color as the aluminum, and take a good eye to see
the solder in a finished off seam. There are no stains to remove.

"These solders contain no lead, tin, bismuth, aluminum, or phos-
phorous.

"They will solder aluminum to aluminum, or any of its alloys to
each other, or all of them to brass or zinc, or brass to brass, or zinc
to zinc, or all of them, whether they be cast or wrought, to each
other indiscriminately, and do all of them strongly, permanently
and well, provided that in the case of the aluminum alloys, the alum-
inum is the largest part of the alloy. Brass to brass is more strongly
soldered than by common tin and lead solder.

"There are three grades of McAdamite solder:

"No. i, melting at 430 degrees F., for very thin articles.

"No. 2, melting at 550 degrees F., the best of the three for gen-
eral use.

"Xo. 3, melting at 610 degrees F., the strongest of them all.

"Sent by mail at 2$c per ounce, or $3.00 per lb., upon receipt of
price. Sent by freight or express at buyer's expense in ten pound
lots at $2.25 per lb., or $22.50. No samples sent."

The L. F. Alt peter Solder. L. F. Altpeter, 758 So. Halsted St.,
Chicago, Til., says in the "Aluminum World" regarding his hard

HISTORY OF T1IK MILITARY CAXTKKX.

95

T/re Lanz Carry <56re/y

tvtrere the

vtf-jctck.l are. 7^ function

tke

of re fH hi ion
rry strap is t

96 IT I STORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

and soft solders, that a soldering iron, blow-pipe, or lamp flame can
be used. He claims a process to solder copper, brass and other
metals to aluminum.

Greene's Aluminum Solder. Is advertised as being manufac-
tured and controlled solely by Edward N. Cook, 144 Pine St., Provi-
dence, R. L, and is alleged to be recommended by the Pittsburg Re-
duction Company.

Eugene M. Totten's Compound for Soldering Aluminum. A
new compound for soldering aluminum has been patented by Eu-
gene M. Totten, of Buffalo, N. Y. In the specifications of Letters
Patent, No. 667,999, the inventor claims that he has produced a
solder capable of ready and immediate use without the necessity of
filing or scraping the parts and without the employment of a separ-
ate flux. The compound is composed of the following 'ingredients
in the proportion specified : Aluminum, 20 per cent ; tin, 38 per cent ;
zinc, 40 per cent, and a hydrocarbon, 2 per cent.

"In the manufacture of the solder, aluminum and tin are first
melted, then the zinc is added, and after the reduction of the metals
while still in a molten state, and without additional heating, there
is added 2 per cent of the hydrocarbon, which is mixed with the
other ingredients into a homogeneous mass. This latter ingredient
may be fat, wax, parafine, or any other species of hydrocarbon. Jt
has been demonstrated that the addition of a hydrocarbon to the
alloy, by increasing the amount of carbon reduces and removes the
oxides, which would otherwise form on the melted metal, and in con-
sequence the compound, when cool, is white and free from oxides
when solid. It is the carbon alone which effects the reduction of
the metallic oxides formed on the surface of the aluminum parts to
be soldered, and the scraping of such parts is rendered unneces-
sary, because of the non-presence of oxides in the soldering com-
pound made."

The James Gibson Slater Aluminum Solder. Mr. James Gibson
.Slater, whose residence is 793 Manning Ave., Toronto, Canada,
showed some samples of soldered aluminum. Mr. Slater had joined
with a one-inch lap, sheet metal, sixteen inches in length. The
pieces were soldered with a copper soldering iron. From the appear-
ance of the articles the solder seems to flow into the joint, and it is
nearly of the same color as aluminum. Mr. Slater guarantees that
it will hold under varying conditions. He can solder different

HISTORY 01- TIM-: MII.ITAKY CANTEEN. 97

metals to aluminum, and showed an aluminum faucet soldered to a
lead pipe. He makes an alloy of aluminum, which he calls "Lumi ! -
noid."

The Julicn Xovcl Aluminum Soldci'.-^-julizti Novel, of 1*51 Rue
des Grottes, Geneva, Switzerland, has invented a flux for" solxteriflg.
aluminum to aluminum, or to other metals, after the metals have
been tinned. The tinning and soldering fluxes are composed of
stearic acid five parts, resin two parts, and oleic acid one part. The
usual soldering metals are employed, such as silver solder, copper
or hard solder, and tin solder.

SOLDERING ALUMINUM.

Prominent among the peculiar characteristics of aluminum, as
compared with other common metals, is its physical reluctance to
the acceptance of a fusible alloy that will satisfactorily unite its
surface or margins. Indeed, the lack of a perfect solder has seriously
retarded the development and manufacture of articles made from
sheet aluminum when their shape or contour is to be accomplished by
the uniting of separate pieces in the evolution of the finished product.

Aluminum is unique among the sheet metals of commerce in this
respect, and a casual consideration of its physical properties will be
necessary for an understanding of this difficulty. The reasons that
aluminum is a refractory metal to solder are entirely physical. It
is extremely difficult to expose a bare surface of aluminum to the
action of a solder, although the mechanical difficulties of grease and
dirt are quickly and easily removed, and need not appear as features
in the problem.

Upon attempting, with any ordinary solder, to join sheets of the
metal, it is noticeable that the mixture does not take hold, but tends
rather to run off, or perhaps it will chill, utterly refusing to tin the
sheets, and rarely adhering to the aluminum. The reason of this
behavior is that there is always present a thin continuous coatmg
of oxide, which effectually prevents the solder from getting to the
true metal beneath. This thin, almost invisible skin of alumina, or
oxide of the metal, is of instantaneous formation, and the surface
of the metal may be scraped or filed without even temporary relief
because of the immediate renewal of the coating.

The use of fluxes and acids to overcome this difficulty have been
repeatedly suggested without securing satisfactory results, and a new
theory tending toward the solution of the problem must needs be

98 HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

approved. Dr. Joseph W. Richards, of Lchigh University, Beth-
lehem, Pa., conceived the successful practice of overcoming the
difficulty by incorporating into the composition of the solder an
ingredient that would remove the oxide film during the process of
soldering, thereby preserving the surfaces clean until the union of
the parts had been accomplished. The solder devised and patented
by Dr. Richards carries in its make-up an alloyed flux of phosphorous
in tin, the theoretical necessity of the simultaneous action of the
flux and the taking hold by the solder being confirmed during many
years by the satisfactory results obtained in actual commercial
practice.

The high heat conductivity of aluminum is another characteris-
tic of this strange metal, and the refusal of many solders to per-
form their expected duty is traceable to it. The aluminum quickly
and readily absorbs the heat from the soldering iron, and the tem-
perature of the tool is thus so far reduced that the solder " freezes"
at the joint and failure ensues. To overcome this difficulty, which
arises in large work particularly, it is necessary to keep the solder-
ing iron very hot, and oftentimes it tends to the betterment of the
result to apply heat likewise to the parts to be joined.

Aluminum is a highly electro-negative metal, and it is this
property that, in addition to causing the instantaneous formation
of the thin skin of oxide already mentioned, tends to operate in
another way, quite as disastrously, by setting up a galvanic action at
the joint, between the solder and the aluminum, inducing failure
through rapid disintegration. Therefore, in devising a solder, it is
plain that it should be composed of those metals nearest to alum-
inum in the galvanic series in order to reduce this disintegrating
action to a minimum. Accordingly zinc suggests itself as an excel-
lent base.

Almost any one can solder aluminum by such simple means as
using pure zinc or pure tin, or both in combination, and joints of
accuracy and strength have been thus obtained. Upon these results,
which are at best but temporary, yielding soon to the disintegrating
influences above noted, have rested the reputations of many of the
so-called aluminum solders of commerce.

It is not the purpose of these remarks to schedule the propor-
tions of the various metals in the many alloys offered on the market
under the name of solders, but rather to show, in a general way,
the reasons of their repeated failures, and to suggest lines of thought
and experimental work most likely to be productive of sensible re-
sults. To be a commercial success, anv solder must conform to the

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN. 99

following- I equirements : It must take hold easily upon the alum-
inum ; it must he conveniently handled without complicating 1 tools
or sundry fluxes: it should melt readily; it must be strong, malleable
and tough ; it must not combine elements inviting disintegration ;
it should he of the same color as aluminum and it should not tarnish
with age. To all of these conditions, Joseph Allison Steinmetz
says. Dr. Joseph Richards' sclder conforms.

W. C. Heraeus' Process for Welding Aluminum. Mr. Heraeus
has platinum works at Hanau, Germany. Agent in U. S., Mr.
Charles Englehard, 41 Courtlandt St., New York City. It is claimed
for the Heraeus process of welding aluminum, that the seams are
united so intimately that they disappear and can he further shaped
by hammering. Soldering aluminum., apart from all other diffi-
culties, has the disadvantage that its powers of resistance at the
soldered places is weakened against the influences of the atmosphere
and these of a chemical nature. This disadvantage is obviated when
the metal is welded. The process is applicable to sheet, wire, thick
plates and heavy bars. Aluminum cannot be used where it would
come in contact with alkaline substances that attack it. In the re-
sistance it offers to acids it resembles copper. Sulphuric acid has
hut little effect en aluminum. When copper is exposed to air and
moisture, poisonous vercligis will form, which is not the case with
aluminum. Repairs by the Heraeus welding process can be easily
done, Certain waters and acids corrode aluminum, but the metal dis-
places copper when it comes in contact with neutral substances, as
spirits, sugar solutions, ether, glycerine, stearine, wax, beer, etc.

Richards' Hardened Aluminum. The Delaware Metal Refinery
of Philadelphia ( i8th St. and Washington Ave.) are selling con-
siderable quantities of hardened aluminum alloys, made after the
formulas and under the direction of the superintendent, Mr. Joseph
Richards.

The principal constituents of these alloys are aluminum and zinc,
in varying- proportions, made from the purest metals, very thoroughly
alloyed and carefully cast. The idea which Mr. Richards had in view
in producing them, is to provide a series of perfectly reliable and uni-
form alloys, from a very hard rather brittle alloy, to a strong, tough
softer alloy, thus forming a complete series adaptable for the most
varied applications. These alloys all approximate toward aluminum
itself in weight, and duplicate the alloys from soft brass to the hard-
est of the regular bronzes in strength and toughness.

IOO

HISTORY OF TIM-: MH.ITAKY CA.VTKFX.

lniitted ty tie <***

cup

, Cfticayoja^ Capacity /o K.

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN IOI

Nine grades of alloys are made, numbered respectively i, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6, 7. 8 and 9.

Xo. i is the hardest. It looks like polished steel, takes a brilliant
polish and has a hard surface. It can scarcely be cut by a knife.
It is almost as rigid as steel, and machines like a fine quality me-
dium hard steel Its specific gravity is 4, or just half that of brass
or bronze. It is the cheapest of the alloys, costing less than pure
aluminum, and objects made of it cost considerably less than if made
of brass or bronze.

No. 4 is a milder alloy and probably the one of the series having
the maximum of working strength.

ALrMINUM UTENSILS.

.Aluminum utensils are claimed by manufacturers to be the only
ware that is unobjectionable in c-rcr\ respect.

. Irscnic and Lead in Enameled II' are. Joseph Stanton has ex-
amined in the laboratory of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy,
the iron enamel covered utensils so much used in the kitchen. On
the Boston market were found thirteen distinct brands of this ware.
These, when tested, gave the following results : Eleven contained
arsenic, two contained lead, and two were free from both arsenic
and lead. The two that contained lead also contained arsenic. The
approximate amounts of arsenic, as indicated by comparison of the
irirmrs, obtained with mirrors made from known quantities of
metallic arsenic, varied from 1.3200 to 1.500 of a grain in each two
grams of enamel. Professor Baird in making this report (at the
last meeting of the Massachusetts Pharmaceutical Association) said:
"In this connection it would be interesting to know whether the
arsenic and lead are in such combinations as to allow their solubility
in the fluids which come in contact with them in ordinary cooking. As
the enamels seemed to be quite easily disintegrated by the mineral
acids, it is quite probable that from them these poisonous metals would
be found to dissolve in dilute fruit acids and dilute alkaline solutions,
and that in this manner they may become a source of arsenic and
load contamination." It was also said in this report: "In former
years arsenic and lead were both very common ingredients of
enameled wares, especially the latter metal. In fact, compounds of
lead were used to such an extent that the lead could be extracted
by boiling with dilute fruit acids, and lead poisoning from this
source became so frequent that certain countries made hws restrict-

1O2 HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

ing the sale of enameled wares containing lead in soluble form."
"Druggists Circular and Chemical Gazette."

The "Review of Reviews" says : "Probably the most important
use to which aluminum will be put, at least in the immediate future,
will be for culinary and household utensils. Besides being very
light, and hence far less cumbersome than any other metal of equal
strength and durability used in cooking, aluminum is practically
incorrodible. Professor Jamieson asserts that, no food now known
to man can effect this metal in the slightest degree. It is wholly
free from every form of poison and w;7/ not taint food. These
are qualities that are possessed by neither iron, copper, tin, nor lead.
Furthermore, it is a better conductor of heat than either of the other
metals."

"The poisonous substances in the enamels are said to be arsenic,
antimony, and lead. Neither of these is nutritious, and food is
better without them. It may be that some of the slight and unac-
countable illnesses that have come to people especially after eating
sour fruits and vegetables boiled or stewed in these dishes toma-
toes, rhubarb, strawberries, compounds flavored with lemon have
their origin in disintegration of this enamel and in the absorption
by the food of the arsenic or whatsoever else is employed in it.
Even where the enamel is commonly applied with skill and under-
standing it may happen that a workman may spill an undue quantity
of poison into the mixture, or that the fusing may b? imperfect;
and it does not take much arsenic or lead to cause illness, while
a succession of poisonings may result in lifelong stomach trouble. "-
"Brooklyn Eagle" Editorial.

Enameled canteens were purchased by the United States from
the Dubuque Enameling Co., in December, 1898, also in October,
1898, likewise in January. 1900. (For description of the Dubuque
Enameling Co. canteen see page 9 of this monograph). They were
issued for trial. No reports of results of trial, if made, have since
reached the Rock Island Arsenal. The canteens made in October,
1898, at the Rock Island Arsenal had a special wide mouth to
admit certain filters purchased from Mrs. Caroline Parker. (Sec
page 8, this report, under subhead "The Parker Canteen.") In
August, 1900, some more filters were purchased from Mrs. Parker
and from the Dubuqne Enameling Co. a special canteen for them.
These, too, were issued for trial.

The Dubuque Enameled Canteen Co. is profiting by the facts
advanced by the parties who recommend the Lanz method in this
notable respect, viz ; They put Petersham felt on what was, at

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN. IO3

first, a naked flask, and they not only place two pieces next the
flask, but they have added an extra piece of felt, forty-two inches
long by one inch wide, as an inner band, thus increasing the ab-
sorptive powers over those possessed by the regulation canteen.

This adoption of the method and system whereof Mr. Lanz
is the originator, exponent, advocate, and patentee, is an admission
of much significance and highly complimentary tc Mr. Lanz. That
the Ordnance Department and Board of Fortification and Equip-
ment concur is evinced by the fact that so many of the enameled
canteens have been purchased by the United States.

As the enamel canteen with regulation cover is heavier than the
regulation canteen ; further, as any enameled ware having arsenic,
lead, or antimony in its composition is dangerous to health ; still
further, as the enamel will chip off and the iron part rust; there
do not appear to be any points of advantage favoring the further
trial of the Dubuque, Iowa, Stamping & Enamel Co. Canteen, with
a view to its adoption for use in the military service of the United
States.

Aluminum Coated Sheet Steel. The Aluminum Coated Sheet
Steel Company, Connelisville, Fayette Co., Pa., claims that "this
product is superior in all respects to galvanized. That it contains
all of its merits with none of its defects. That it can be heated to
a red heat without destroying its coating. That sulphurous gases,
brine, salt, and acids do not affect it as readily as they do galvanized.
That it can be soldered with common solder. That it will stand
even severer tests than any coated metal. That no coated metal
can be seamed or hammered down flat and then bent back straight
without flaking. None but solid metal will do this.

That, Aluminum Coated Steel Sheets can be bent or seamed
in any way required in actual work and the coating will remain
intact on both sides. But no coated metal can be bent flat on itself
and return to' its original shape without showing fracture in
coating. This is not necessary and if Aluminum Coated Sheets are
given the same work as galvanized they will prove in every way
superior and all we claim for them.

That any intelligent metal worker will recognize these facts
and will not expect impossibilities."

This firm gives the following directions for flux to solder this
metal : "Dissolve as much spelter as your muriatic acid will take
up. Use the same without diluting with water. Never add fresh

1O4 HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CAVIEEX.

acid to blacken your metal. Other fluxes, such as rosin, and palm
oil, mav be used with success."

The following is a copy of a communication addressed to the
Patton Paint Company, Milwaukee, Wis. :

It may be an advance backward to construct a soldier's canteen
of wood.

I enclose cut of a canteen carried by the U. S. Army during the
period of our second war with England, 1812, by reference to which
you will see that it was then composed of many pieces, like a barrel,
tub, firkin, fig drum, etc.

Could you not get one constructed of suitable wood or indurated
fiber or wood pulp, turned in one piece, painted by your process
inside and out?

The normal use of the canteen is to carry water, coffee and
tea. Government does not contemplate furnishing the soldier \vith
a water bottle, the lining of which should be capable of resisting the
action of whisky or other alcoholic fluid.

A wooden water bottle was carried for years in the English
Army, the exterior of which was painted blue ; but before I should
feel justified in recommending a return to a canteen made of wood
instead of sheet tin, I would have to be satisfied that one con-
structed of this material would meet the requirements of dura-
bility, etc.

I would be glad to have you institute a series of experiments
whereof you write, looking toward covering both the inside and the
outside of the flask in such a way that it would resist the action of
everything including distinctly acid fluids.

Whatever canteen is adopted for the use of our soldiers will
have to be provided with a non-conducting cover.

To the above the Company replies as follows :

"We thank you for the blueprint received with your letter, and
hope soon to begin our experiments as to covering inside and out-
side in such a way that the covering will be impervious to the
action of everything except fluids which are distinctly acid or
alkaline.

"It is easy enough to begin a series of experiments, but it takes
a long time to complete them. We would not he satisfied to report
on anything in the way of a test of permanency under six months or
a year of constant use for the purpose required, as we carry on our
experiments.

'"We will let you know from time to time how we are progressing

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

105

v-

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fAattur<tL by Carl Berp rekt+rf,
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strep Ca^^ac/ty, XS f/urtt ox , /

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IO6 HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

and will hope to be in a position to make a definite statement as to
what we can do within perhaps eight months from this time."

Disadvantages of Aluminum as a Material for Canteen Flasks, from
a Mechanical Point of View.

After a metallurgist has placed in the hands of the inventor a
metal lighter than tin as a material for a canteen flask, the artisan
encounters a mechanical difficulty, to wit : In attaching ears, or side
pieces, to the flask.

There must be something connected either with the flask, or its
cover, to fasten the canteen strap or sling to unless the latter goes
round the canteen as in the 1864 period of the U. S. A.

There are two natural ways of slinging a canteen ; one way is
from the shoulder, the other way is from the belt.

In either case, the strap must have a method of attachment, as
by a hook or snap, with the canteen flask or with some portion of
the canteen cover; otherwise the strap must encircle the canteen.

This attachment necessitates loops, rings or triangles, eyes, open-
ings, etc., on the canteen cover, or ears, metallic side-bar attach-
ments, or other fastening device, directly connected with the canteen
flask ; hence attached to the latter by solder cr rivet.

A disadvantage of aluminum as the material for a canteen flask
is that with the present limited knowledge of this metal, it cannot
be so soldered to itself as to resist water action. Galvanic action
occurs between aluminum and any known solder when wet for a
considerable period. Disintegration follows.

This should prevent the adoption by any army of an aluminum
canteen flask any of the parts of which are joined by soldering.

As solder fails to assure a permanent union of aluminum to
aluminum, rivets are resorted to in order to fasten the side-ears, cr
other metallic contrivance, to the aluminum flask. This is practical,
but not believed to be enduring. Leakage follows. A method of
reliably fastening ears to an aluminum flask is unknown to me.

Tin as a material for a canteen flask does not present any of
these disadvantages.

Reason Why Old Pattern Canteens Have Been Retained in
U. S. Army Since 1874 or 1878. Past attempts to improve, change
or retire the army canteen have been blocked by two things, viz.:
The representation by a Department head that there were already
i -n hand a large stock of old canteens ; hence these unissued relics

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN. IO7

of a past period ought, in economic interests, to be disposed of
first.

Second : The recommendation of the Commanding General that
the old stock be disposed of before incurring the expense of a new, or
later, pattern.

Finally : The orders of the Secretary of War directing that
future issues of canteens be confined to existing patterns in stock,
and prohibiting any expenditures for new patterns. This injunction
applying also to other Infantry and Cavalry equipments.

Efforts Made in 1878-9 to Change the U. S. Service Canteen.
In General Orders No. 76, Headquarters of the Army, A. G. O.,
July 23, 1879, there were published extracts from the proceedings,
embodying the conclusions, of the Board of Officers convened in
Washington, D. C, by Special Orders on Nov. n, 1878, "for the
purpose of considering the whole subject of * the equip-

ment of troops generally'' ; together with the comments of the
Chief of Ordnance, the General of the Army, William T. Sherman,
and the indorsement of the Secretary thereon.

The Board found the weight of the canteen, half-filled, to be
two (2) pounds eight (8) ounces.

The recommendations of the Board were disapproved by the
Chief of Ordnance, there being then on hand, left from the Civil
War, 267,000 canteens which, in the opinion of General Benet,
ought to be used up before others were provided.

The recommendation of the General of the Army was : 28 "That
no other change be made in the present infantry equipment, though
a lighter canteen would be desirable.'' General Sherman commented
(see page 40, G. O. 76, A. G. O., series 1879) : "The old pattern
articles, that is canteens and such, can be issued till exhausted, and
the new ones will then follow naturally and without sacrifice on
the part of the United States, or of the officers and men who com-
pose the army."

The views and recommendations of the General of the Army were
approved July 19, 1879, by the Hon. G. W. McCrary, Secretary of
War, who indorsed the recommendations made by the Board, the
Chief of Ordnance, the Quartermaster General of the Army, and
General William T. Sherman, as follows: "No change will be
made at any time which involves expenditure not clearly within
existing appropriations, and great care will be taken to avoid a
deficiency."

On Oct. 7, 1873, the Chief of Ordnance, U. S. A., Brigadier-

1O8 HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

General A. B. Dyer, recommended that a Board of Ordnance and
Cavalry Officers be assembled to consider "What changes," if any,
should be made in * cavalry equipments and accouter-

ments, as published by G. O. No. 60, War Department, A. G. O.,
June 29, 1872.

Board was convened by Special Orders Xo. 238, Nov. 29, 1873,
modified by Special Orders No. 253, \Var Dept., A. G. O.,
Dec. 24, 1873. Report of proceedings made from Water-
vliet Arsenal, West Troy, N. Y., May 5, 1874, by Colonel I. X.
Palmer, 2d Cavalry, president of the Board. The Board consisted
of the following: Col. Innis N. Palmer, 2d Cavalry; Capt. J. J.
Upham, 6th Cavalry; Capt. A. Mordecai, Ord. Dept.; Capt. Guy V.
Henry, 3d Cavalry, and Capt. L. H. Carpenter, loth Cavalry ; also
Capt. William Hawley, 3d Cavalry, in place of Major Henry, re-
lieved.

The proceedings of the Board, with the action of the War De-
partment thereon, were published in Ordnance Memoranda No. 18,
1874. Under the caption "Canteens," page 18, is found the follow-
ing: "Canteen. It was discussed as to whether the canteen should
be covered with two thicknesses, and felt was suggested as a good
material." No other reference by title, to canteen is found in the
published report, except, same page, the following : "A resolution
was adopted requesting the commanding officer cf the Leaven worth
Arsenal to make for the use of the Board the following articles
after description furnished : * * One canteen with two cov-

erings." And, on page 57, the following: "The Board is of the
opinion that to the accouterments should be added a canteen of
pattern and material like sample submitted." On page 18 Board
expresses opinion that the regular equipments necessary for a cav-
alry trooper are as follows : * * * One canteen On
page 69, it is stated that "A personal examination has convinced the
Board of the superior quality of the manufacture and material of
the articles furnished from the government workshops over those
obtained by contract, and it is earnestly recommended that, as far
as possible, all stores issued to the cavalry by the Ordnance Depart-
ment may be made in the Arsenals, believing that to be for the best
interests of the service."

On May n, 1874, the Acting Chief of Ordnance, Col. S. V.
Benet, indorsed proceedings, concurring in recommendations of the
Board, but in carrying out the changes, alterations, and additions
recommended, suggested "that the large quantity of stores on hand

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN. ICKJ

of old patterns be utilized and the changes, etc., be made as rapidly
as a due regard to economy will permit/'

On May 15, 1874, Gen. W. T. Sherman indorsed that he "felt
hardly competent to pass judgment on the matter of cavalry equip-
ment, and would be governed by the opinions of the cavalry officers
who serve on the plains and have abundant experience. The present
stock on hand could be exhausted gradually, leaving the new equip-
ment to accumulate in store, ready for emergency, or for use after
the present supply is exhausted."

On May 20, 1874, the Secretary of War, through H. T. Crosby,
chief clerk, concurred with the General of the Army and the Chief
of Ordnance that the stores on hand of all patterns should be
utilized before issue of new patterns except in regard to horse
shoes."

The Chief of Ordnance, U. S. Army, in his annual report for the
fiscal year ended June 30, 1894, states under head of "Aluminum
Equipments" : "Experiments with articles of equipment made of
aluminum and its alloys have been continued during the year at
various posts and at the Rock Island Arsenal, and very intelligent
assistance has been given to the department by manufacturers.
Successful results have been obtained in the manufacture of spurs,
waist-belt plates, and several minor articles ; but in those cases in
which, from their importance as articles of considerable weight,
success was hoped for most such as bits, cups, meat cans, picket
pins and horseshoes the desired quality of metal has not yet been
obtained. A very promising canteen has been designed, but not
yet tested by the department, and experiments will be continued as
rapidly as possible."

Recommendation That Canteens Now Disposable Be Sold.
Citation of Statute Permitting It. Recommendation is made, under
opinion of Assistant Comptroller Mitchell, and Section 1241 of the
Revised Statutes, that all canteens not in the hands of troops be sold
as unsuitable for the public service.

One of the synonyms of "suitable" is "expedient." An article
may be suitable as far as possibility is concerned, and not suitable
because it is not expedient to transport it to the place where it
might be used, or to the person who could use it.

It is thought that the present stock of old pattern canteens are
not suitable for militarv service. It is neither wise nor economical

I IO

HISTORY OI ; THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

tc Canteen F/cts/e . <?ne face concave, c/y/j
face com/eK . SubrHitteol & the .arrz Canteen Co.,

Ill

to retain them in government arsenals, armories or depots. They
should he sold. It is submitted that these acts justify this disposi-
tion of these obsolete articles of equipment. They are important
as bearing upon the Assistant Comptroller's view :

The first is the old law of March 23, 1825, upon which section
1241, Revised Statutes is based, and which is as follows: "That the
President be, and he is hereby, authorized to cause to be sold any
ordnance, ammunition, or other military stores, or subsistence, or
medical supplies, which upon proper inspection or survey, whenever
in his opinion the sale of such unserviceable stores will be advan-
tageous to the public service; that the inspection or survey of the
unserviceable stores shall be made by an inspector general or such
other officer or officers as the secretary of war may appoint for that
purpose and the sales shall be made under such rules and regulations
as may be prescribed by the secretary of war."

The other act is that of March 29, 1894, which provides that in-
stead of forwarding to the accounting officers of the Treasury De-
partment returns of public property intrusted to the possession of
officers or agents, "the quartermaster general, commanding general
of subsistence, and other like staff officers in any department, by,
through, or under whom stores, supplies and other public property
are received for distribution, or whose duty it is to receive or ex-
amine returns of such property, shall certify to the proper account-
ing officer of the Treasury Department for debiting on the proper
account any charge against any officer or agent intrusted with public
property arising from any loss, accruing by his fault to the govern-
ment as to the property so intrusted to him."

The act of July 31, 1894, confines the duty of the comptroller
to decisions "upon any question involving a payment" made by
disbursing officers.

If Assistant Comptroller Mitchell's ruling is published officially
it will make possible an arrangement w r hereby not only unservicea-
ble canteens in excess of future needs of the army, but also horses,
mules, wagons, or other army material, not first class, hardly worth
reshipping, can be sold as damaged or unsuitable for the public
service, after proper inspection or survey, and when the sale of such
will be advantageous to the public interests.

It is submitted that the sale of all canteens now in store in gov-
ernment arsenals, armories or depots, of the 1874 pattern, or 1878
or later pattern, will be advantageous to the public service because
the presumption is that the appropriation for the purchase and man-

112 HISTORY OF THK MILITARY CAXTEEN.

iifacture or fabrication, of equipments for infantry, and accuuter-
nients for cavalry, will be adequate to provide new model canteens.

It is understood that the army appropriation bill, second series,
56th Congress, carries with it for repairing and preserving ordnance,
$75,000; for purchase and manufacture, to fill requisitions of troops,
$500,000; for infantry, cavalry, and artillery equipments, $750,000.

The Chief of Ordnance, U. S. Army, is quoted as follows : "The
ordnance depot at Manila is now supplying an army of nearly 70,000
men, scattered about among the islands, and yet there is but one
officer available for duty at this post in addition to the chief ordnance
officer whose time is fully occupied with the duties of general admin-
istration.

The improvement of material being under way at all times,
technical officers must at all times be in touch with it, not only in
the hands of troops, but also with the vast accumulations in reserve.
The relations of the department to the line of the army should be
close and intimate in order that the experience of the troops shall
lie available for the instruction and guidance of the department,
and that the wants of the combatant branch cf the army may be
promptly met by the supply departments.

It has been impossible of late years to spare officers for this duty,
the lack of which brings wrongfully on the department the blame of
responsibility for it.

The ordnance establishments are by no means adequate to pro-
duce all the material required, and a greater part of this material
is procured under contract. In the last two years, at many of the
establishments from which such material has been secured, there
have been no inspectors, and several establishments have been looked
after by one inspector. If the inspection be not thorough, inferior
material is likely to come into the service, with the resulting criti-
cism of the Ordnance Department, and what is worse, a possible
failure of the material at an important juncture."

HISTORY UF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

Proceedings of Board of Officers to Examine and Test Canteens,
at Rock Island, (111.) Arsenal, Aug. 22 to Sept. 15, 1900.

Between August 22 and September 5, 1900, nine or ten tests of two Regulation
and two Lanz Canteens were made at Rock Island Arsenal by a board of three Officers
of the Ordnance Department, pursuant to orders from the Chief of Ordnance and de-
tail by the Commanding Officer of the Arsenal.

Exhibit "A" of the proceedings of the Board is as follows:

TEMPERATURE OF

Air.

Water in Canteen

Date.

Manner of
making

Hours
Exposed.

Water
when put
in

at expiration of time.

Min.

Max.

U.S.

U. S.

Lanz

Lanz

Experiment.

Canteen.

No. i.

No. 2.

No. 3.

No. 4.

A.M. P.M.

Deg.

Deg.

Deg.

Deg,

Deg.

Deg. Deg.

Aug.

22

Covers dry ; expos'd
on window sill, in
sun

9 to 2

86

96

66

102

103

98 101

Aug.

All except U.S. No.

i

f%^

ihadfeltwet,with

*J

canvas covers dry.

U.S. No. i and felt

wet. On window

sil, in sun 9 to 2

91^

102

66 88

88

90 92

Aug.

Same as in previous

24.

experiment except

^t

hung over boilers!
in boiler room... 9102.30

iooy 2

66 84

84

85^

84

Aug.

Same as on Aug. 23

26

except hung in sun

~j

with free circula-

tion of air

9 to 3

80

90

66

78

78

78

79

Aug.

Both felt and canvas

17

27

covers thoroughly

* /

wet and expos'd as

on Aug. 25

to ;

78

84.

66

76

76

76

H 1 A

Aug.

Same as preceding.

y * *j

/ **

C7i r

/

/ j/z

T.I

A third U. S. can-

o

teen was hung up

dry and had a tem-

perature of 96 deg.
at end of exprmt . .

10 to 3

81

92

75

80^

82

82^

8i#

Sept .

I

Under glass, with
free access of air. .

10 to 2

8 1

92

5 6(iced)

103^

100

99 l /2

100

Sept.

Under glass, same

4

as preceding ex-

periment

IO to 2

** i

on

7 A.

8?

Q2

QCl/

QO

Sept .

Same as preceding

/ '

yy

/4

/

y^

yj/-

yvy

5

experiment

10 to 3

9i

no

75

94

93^

94

93

The Weights of Canteens, their Contents, etc., were as follows:
U

Empty and cover dry

Full of water, cover dry

Cover saturated with water,
Canteen full

Weight of water in Canteen..
Weight of water absorbed by

S. No. i.

U. S. No. 2.

Lanz No. 3.

Lanz No. 4.

ozs.

ozs.
13 i%

ozs.

ozs.

5rt

59VV

64 T 6 6

50{-

S

65^

40f|

68

G G 1 G

W

114 HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CAXTEF.X.

Two tests were concluded in four hours.

Two experiments occupied five hours each.

One test consumed five and one-half hours.

Two of the tests were each of six hours' duration.

These tests do not appear to have been made in accordance with
the printed conditions upon which the claims of the Lanz Canteen
are based and stated to be requisite in order to demonstrate those
claims.

This statement particularly applies to the length of time claimed
by that Company as requisite in an environment or temperature
above blood heat in which to prove the merits of the Lanz Canteen
and general superiority of the device. See Claim IX.

It appears that the Board followed the methods outlined by Mr.
Lanz in his letter and circular, August, 1960, describing his canteen
and the experiments made by the inventor with the U. S. and his
own canteens.

The experiments of the Board were conducted, the commanding
officer states, with care and fairness, and he agreed with its conclu-
sions.

Except in passing judgment on the flattened side of the flask,
the opinion as to the advantage of the removable cover and its ser-
viceableness, the conclusions of the Ordnance Board were based
upon the results of the nine or ten tests quoted.

These results differed materially from those of the inventor of
the Lanz Canteen. Besides its conclusions upon those results, the
Board was of the opinion that none of the canteens had any appre-
ciable advantage over the others in the temperature of the water
they contained. The Board found but a slight difference in the
relative conductivity of the covers of the canteens; referred to the
fact that the Lanz was heavier, held less water than the Regulation
Canteen, and added that for a period of at least six hours the gov-
ernment canteen will keep water as cool as the Lanz canteen.
It sustained, or conceded. Claims II, IV. and part of Claims I, III
and V, also VI ; also the claim, but not the conclusion, of XV, in the
following finding; quotation from the proceedings and summary
of theBoard, viz. : "The cover of the Lanz Canteen possesses greater
absorptive powers than that of the Government Canteen, conse-
quently it would appear that this canteen would keep water at a
lower temperature for a longer period under similar conditions than
the Government Canteen."

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

Li

cove-rtct fy the German method,, sirtf/e felt
n'ftt hanpiny strctf> for Cava/rif. also carry s(m/i
for Infantry -attached inooscttost. Canaattf do
ot. froy, ttzijht w ox Jtftrefu/ttffs.

Il6 HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

CLAIMS or THK L,ANZ MANUFACTURING COMPANY REGARDING
THE ' ' LANZ CANTEEN . ' '

183-9 Lake Street, Chicago 111, August 8th, /poo.

1. That the Lanz Canteen will keep water cool at a low tem-
perature, or warm liquids at a high temperature, longer than any
other canteen of equal capacity.

2. That the drinkable condition of the liquids carried in the
Lanz Canteen will continue for a longer period, either in cold or
hot climates, than in any other Canteen of equal capacity.

3. That its method of retarded evaporation secures palatable
drinking water in either tropical or arctic regions for a longer time
than the Regulation Canteen now used by the U. S. A.

4. That the felt will remain moist for a number of hours longer
than the inner cover of felt used on the Regulation Canteen ; hence
the water remains cool for many hours longer in the Lanz Canteen
than the same amount of water similarly exposed to a high tem-
perature in the Regulation Canteen or any other Canteen used in
military service, or submitted for experimental trial.

5. These results are accomplished, in part, by a removable, open-
able canvas cover, and, in part, by means of an inner cover of felt,
the latter being of a quality and thickness superior to the felt used
on the Regulation Canteen, and by using a greater quantity of felt
as an inner cover than is used on the Regulation Canteen. These
covers and methods are explained and secured by U. S. Patent No.
6 55>979> August i4th, 1900.

6. The results are due to the methods observed and materials
with which the Lanz Canteen is covered, the latter being compo-
nents of the Canteen. The absorbent properties of the Lanz felt
cover, and subsequent retarded evaporation, are the agents, in hot
weather, to keep the contents of the canteen flask cool.

7. In cold weather, the non-conducting properties of the com-
ponents of the Canteen, the covers being dry, tend to preserve the
contents of the flask from freezing.

8. The openable and removable cover possesses advantages not
possessed by the Regulation Canteen ; it is, with proper care, equal
to it in durability. The shape of the patented metallic flask is
advantageous and is superior to the Regulation Canteen, all of which
entitles the Lanz Canteen to practical trial by troops actually in the
field, or in campaign, with a view to its adoption by the United
States for use in the military service.

9. Particular stress is laid upon the fact that the merits of the
Lanz Canteen are not made so apparent by a short open-air expos-

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN. IT?

tire of five or six hours, rr less; or by tests made under temperate,
or moderate, thermometric conditions as by comparisons made after
an exposure of at least eight (8) hours under thermal conditions
ranging above blood heat, 96 F., or below the freezing point, 32 F.

10. As a Canteen is always worn by every combatant soldier
when in the field, or campaign, as an essential article of personal
equipment, but only occasionally worn when troops are in garrison,
it is preferred that all tests of Canteens should be made by officers
actually on duty with troops in the field, or campaign, and not by
officers whose duties confine them to arsenal, or garrison, or depot
duty.

11. In hot weather, that is, when the open air temperature is
above blood heat, 96 F., the felt covering must be saturated, or
moistened, in order to demonstrate the merit of the Lanz method
as opposed to the Regulation method of covering the metallic flask.

12. As an important distinction between the Lanz and the Regu-
lation Canteen covers is the difference in the material, and the
amount of material, with which they are covered, it is essential
that the fastenings of the outer cover of the Lanz be drawn up tight,
after the Canteen has been immersed, so as to permit air from
gaining access, and the process of evaporation thus retarded or
interfered with.

13. Only in moderate weather and in winter weather should the
felt be left dry. In hot weather the felt must be kept moist. To
effect this last named requisite, the canvas cover must be slipped
off entirely, or the lacing or fastenings of the canvas loosened.

14. The facility with which the Lanz openable cover can be
removed is a decided advantage over the outer cover of the Regula-
tion Canteen, because the latter is tightly sewn up around its entire
circumference, hence the service Canteen may be immersed in water
without properly effecting saturation of the inner cover.

15. As the inner cover of the Lanz Canteen possesses greater
absorptive powers than the Government Canteen, it will keep water
at a lower temperature for a longer time under similar circumstances
than the Government Canteen, hence possesses merits sufficient to
warrant a trial in the military service with a view to its adoption in
lieu of the Regulation Canteen.

16. In cold, or cool, weather, the felt, of course, is not moist-
ened, in which condition it will maintain the heat of the fluid con-
tents for a longer period than the Regulation Canteen, and so lessen
the danger of freezing.

17. The Lanz Manufacturing Company can furnish Canteens

Il8 HiSTOKV OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

and their components of any specified weight or indicated fluid
capacity, whether less than, equal to, or greater than, the Govern-
ment Canteen, utilizing for the purpose any metal or material, or
of any prescribed pattern or model desired, retaining, of course, its
non-conducting inner fabric or textile cover, and also retaining the
removable, openable, patented outer cover and fastening methods.

18. The advantages of the Lanz Canteen are more than appre-
ciated by soldiers when in the field or during a campaign in a tropical
region, or on a hot day, because conducive to comfort, effective-
ness and health.

19. The Lanz Manufacturing Company claims to be able to
produce a canteen flask, retinned after the plate has been stamped
into shape, and which may have a piece of zinc soldered to the
inside, or, perhaps, a zinc nozzle, the durability of which retinned
flask will largely exceed that of the Regulation Canteen, and which
will prevent oxidation for at least four times as long as the Regu-
lation Canteen.

Commendations and recommendations are exhibited by the
Company from the following named Army officers: Col. J. M. J.
Sanno, i8th Infantry; Maj. P. H. Ray, 8th Infantry; Maj. S. L.
Woodward, 1st Cavalry ; Assistant Surgeon A. E. Bradley, Medical
Dept. ; Assistant Surgeon S. M. Waterhouse, Medical Dept. ; Capt.
Geo. W. Goode, ist Cavalry; ist Lieut. W. M. Whitman, ist Cav-
alry; 2d Lieut. H. C. Smither, ist Cavalry; 2d Lieut. F. W. Healy,
8th Infantry ; 2d Lieut. A. V. L. R. de Beaumont, 8th Infantry ; 2cl
Lieut L. A. I. Chapman, ist Cavalry; Ordnance Sergeant Alexander
Pillow, U. S. A. ; Sergeant J. K. Miller, 3d Infantry. Also from
several business and manufacturing firms employing laborers, arti-
ficers, etc. Likewise from tourists, bicyclists, sportsmen, officers of
U. S. Volunteers, National Guardsmen, etc.

The Company supplements its published list of testimonials by
two temperature tests, one a hot weather test made on the roof of
theLanz factory ; the other a cold weather open air test. In each
trial a U. S. Army canteen is also said to have been used in com-
parison.

Naturally, the results as published, were highly favorable to the
Lanz Canteen. The first test covered a period of seven hours.

SANITATION AND HYGIENE AS APPLIED TO CANTEENS.
The use of polluted water is a factor dangerous to health and ac-
counts for the prevalence of disease in localities where other sanitary
conditions are beyond reproach. It is the part of wisdom to remove

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN. I IQ

r ?

danger of possible contamination by the use of a canteen which can
be completely emptied, drained and even sterilized.

By inserting the little finger in the mouth-piece of the present
regulation tin flask canteen, there can be felt enough abiding places
for pathogenic germs and micro-organisms to make the use of the
canteen a dangerous factor after polluted water has once entered
the flask.

In the regulation canteen, the mouth-piece is either inserted or
applied like a spout. In either case, it is a separate piece of sheet tin,
soldered on. The projections and rough edges become nesting places
for waste matter, and breeding places for things dangerous to
health, even after pure or sterilized water has been deposited in it.

Soldiers have not access to germicidal supplies, nor can the in-
sides of canteens be inspected in the way that health officers inspect
milk cans, pans, dairies, and creameries. The present regulation
canteen can carry typhoid. As bacteriological examinations cannot
be made of canteens where the latter are daily carried as a portion of
the field equipment, it would be wise to abandon the present regu-
lation canteen and adopt in lieu one differing in material, construc-
tion and shape.

COMPARISON OF THE ARMIES IN CHINA NARRATIVE BY AN AMERI-
CAN WAR CORRESPONDENT ABOUT CANTEENS, OTHER
PERSONAL EQUIPMENTS OF A SOLDIER,
AND ARMY WATER SUPPLY.

The dweller in towns can have no conception of what the lack of
a plentiful supply of good water is. Water, to them, like air, is
cheap and common. During the interval between our Civil War and
the Spanish-American War, the only soldiers of our army who ap-
preciated the value of water, and of a good canteen, were such of
the military establishment as had service in arid regions in hot
weather, and hence had been compelled to rely upon the article of
personal equipment named.

Thomas F. Millard, writes from China : "Examine military med-
ical statistics and you will find that half the ills an army is heir to
are directly traceable to the use of bad water. I sometimes wonder
whether we Americans shall ever learn some things, and generally
sadly reach the conclusion that we never shall. In this problem of
army water supply, the Japanese stand for efficiency the Ameri-
cans for deficiency, with other nations struggling along somewhere
between. The water in North China is so bad that resident Euro-

120

HIST6RY OF Till JkllLITARY CANTEEN.

t
-D !

, Baden, Gertvafty. d/unr/nunt, /Jask-, (/.S. Army Refutation StruiceCanteeH,
no covtr; capacity. 2S OX . Ktiflt v5 ox. Ordnance Pattern, <Zoulle cover, fett

Unt'tect States Jrnvy joaitern, of /tv* .
and, cUtritp our Szcovct, #ar nrtM frykncl.
C font a, tracrnf fur mated, ly tJre tyv&f

sy Atrmtlett, fy
6t**r*l #5A of tt

e ef tt'n,

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN. 121

pcans will nut drink it until it has been boiled and lilUTrd. The fact
was well known before a foreign soldier set foot at Tak'u, It was
also realized that there was danger of wells being poisoned by the
Chinese ; while to use, unpurified, the filth-laden waters of the canals
and rivers was to invite an epidemic among the troops. The Jap-
anese came fully provided with portable filters for use in the field.
They were the only troops who possessed these necessary utensils,
and they spared the men much. They also had in common with all
the allies, except the Americans, provisions for supplying the troops
with water while on the march or in action. When the Fifth Army
Corps, United States Army, made the glorious, but in many ways
disastrous, campaign against Santiago, June-August, 1898, we paid
a price for ignorance which might have taught ns a wholesome les-
son. One of the deficiencies, and one commented on by all the
foreign military attaches who accompanied the army, was the utter
lack of water supply except the small quantity the men could carry
in their canteens. There was no reserve. When the water bottles
ran dry the men would drop out of the line of march to replenish
them. In so profusely watered a country as Cuba that was not diffi-
cult, owing to the proximity of the Seco, the Aguadores, and the
San Juan. Water could always be found near by, or secured while
crossing a stream, but the custom is always retarding of progress
and detrimental to discipline. But even where water is most plenti-
ful, the practice throws the door wide open to the insidious disease
germ. Here in China where water is fairly plentiful, but marvel-
ously filthy, to provide no reserve water supply for troops on the
march, is to condemn all of them to needless suffering and many of
them to death. Two years of almost constant campaigning in the
Philippines, coupled with the experiences in Cuba, have taught
Americans nothing. Our troops turned up in China with their can-
teens, and no more. I believe one or two filters, suitable for camp
or barrack use, and too cumbersome for ready transport, have finally
arrived. But they could not, had they been here in time, have been
utilized on the march along the sluggish Pei-ho to Peking the
mother of thousands of ditches, all equally filled with a contaminated,
yellow, slimy fluid, spreading out over the country like a web of
an immense water-spider, licking up the filth of countless villages,
and feeding, or draining, as the case may be, their cousins the cess-
pools. The men suffered terribly. Through the middle of the day
the heat was intense. Millions, billions, trillions, of flies, buzzed and
bit. For miles the road ran through millet fields. The grain stands
from ten to twelve feet high, completely shutting off any breeze

122 HISTORY OF Till: MILITARY C. \.\TKK.\.

which might possibly be stirring. At every step the men and animals
sank a foot into the dust, which, ground into impalpable powder by
the passage of thousands of vehicles, hung in a stifling cloud over
the line of march, rilling throats, eyes, lungs, and nostrils. The sun
struck a man between the shoulders and burned them like a red-hot
plaster. Rivulets of perspiration trickled and dripped, converting
faces into river charts of China, half mud and half water, and caus-
ing eyelids to gum up and smart painfully. Canteens were emptied
quickly during the six successive days march after the battle of
Yang Tsun to Peking, and, notwithstanding positive orders to the
contrary, were refilled out of wells on the putrid Pei-ho.

Staggering along under their blanket-rolls and full marching
equipment, what wonder that the troops could march but a short
distance without resting, and that "the total of a day's effort would
be but about eight miles. At night, the mosquitos relieved the flies
as agents of unrest, swarming in dense clouds about the camps.
Within a week after their arrival in Peking, over one-third of the
American force was in the hospital. This was about the average
throughout the army, Germans, Russians (including Cossacks),
British (including Australians, English, Sikhs, Ragputs, Ghurkos,
and Chinese), Americans, French (including Tonquin and Cochin
China native regiments), Japanese, Austrians, and Italians, to say
nothing of the "Boxers" and Imperial Chinese troops.

If ever troops needed water reserve supply, for urgency as well
as sanitary reasons, it was on that march. The Japanese, Russians,
Germans, French, and British, all were provided in some way. The
Japanese drank only aerated water prepared regularly by the field
filters, the water cart moving with the column and permitting the
replenishing of the canteens at any time without hindering the
march or scattering the troops. For the Japanese officers and
wounded, there was an ample supply of bottled mineral water. The
British, Germans, and Russians, all had a reserve supply, either in
carts or carried in skins on mules. Only the Americans were utterly
destitute. An average of one-third of the force was always away
from the column on a hunt for drinking water. At nightfall, when
the camps were pitched, they would have, perhaps, to tramp long
distances to obtain enough water for cooking purposes, while all
the other allies had theirs ready to hand, simply, it was some one's
business to attend to it and see that proper facilities were provided.
Truly, 'tis a lop-sided commissary service which supplies an army
with solid food and woe to it if it fail but makes no provision
whatever for water.

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN. 123

While both are indispensable, water is far more of an urgent
necessity to troops than is other food. Frequently a few drops mean
whether a soldier will drop or continue to march, and the first cry
of a wounded man is for water. The advisability of supplying troops
with water, even while in action, has long been recognized, and, not-
withstanding the difficulty, has been successfully accomplished.

In this war I have, for the first time, seen the "bhisti," whom
Rudyard Kipling has immortalized as "Gunga Din" at work. He
has a brother now in the Jap water coolie, whose duty is to supply
water to troops in action, and succor the wounded on the field. Some
day, perhaps, Uncle Sam may awake to appreciation of the necessity
of some needed reforms in his army and take a leaf out of the
Mikado's book. Three days after the allied forces entered Peking,
over eight hundred Americans or one-third of the total force under
General ChafTee, were in the hospital. The percentage of Japanese
troops unfit for duty at the same time was less than five. Yet they
had done more work during the campaign than had the Americans.

We seem, for some reason, always to be lacking adequate trans-
port. Some of the powers are just as badly off as the United
States in this matter of proper transport, but some are immeasur-
ably superior. The Japanese and British-Indian contingents are
the best. They have not only developed the light vehicle and small
package system to a high state of excellence, but they have found
another accelerator in the use of a large number of camp followers.
In a British or Japanese regiment the number of camp followers
almost equals the number of men bearing arms.

These auxiliaries are really servants of the troops. They re-
lieve the fighting men of all superfluous baggage on the march and
do the camp labor when the column halts. The Japanese or British-
Indian soldier carries nothing while marching except his rifle, am-
munition, and water bottle. Xot only can he move faster and with
less fatigue, but he is prepared to go into battle at an instant's
notice. The American. German, or. French, soldier, if suddenly
attacked or brought into action, has to cast aside his heavy, bulky
kit. These are frequently stolen before the men return to secure
them, if they ever do. Witness the denuding of our troops by the
straggling bands of Cubans during the Santiago campaign. Then,
suppose the troops advance several miles in the course of an engage-
ment, which frequently happens ; they must either abandon their per-
sonal equipment (less rifle, ammunition, canteen, cup, and in-
trenching tool) entirely, or return for it, even if they can locate and
find it intact, thus covering a distance three times when once should

124 HISTORY OF TJTF. MILITARY CANTEEN.

have sufficed. Such matters as these often decide the success or
failure of a campaign. It is a humiliating fact that in nearly e\ vrv
march of any distance which the allies have made in China, the
Americans held the column back because they were unable to keep
up, A remark of General Dorward is recalled as he watched the
little detachment of Americans toil painfully and slowly through the
mud on the march to Tulin. The General who commanded the ex-
peditionary force, had ridden back with his staff to see what was
keeping the Yankees back. "Fine fellows," he said as he gazed at
them, "Fine fellows. Splendid physiques. Pity they load them
down so they can't march/'

It was a matter of comment during the march to Peking that
the Americans had more men drop out from heat prostration, and
required to rest oftener, than the troops of any other nation. Fre-
quently one-fourth the American force, with those who went down
and those who stopped to attend them, would be out. The climate
cannot account for this. It is very similar to that of the greater
part of the United States. The troops were not "green."' They
were veterans, just from months of active service in the Philippines
and Cuba. It was not inferiority of physique. The Americans
are the strongest men out here. What then, was the reason? The
men were required to do too much. In marching, they carried
three times the weight imposed upon Japanese, British, or Rus-
sian troops. Then, a dozen times during a day they were compelled
to make detours to replenish their canteens. While, the march
having ended, the Japs or British soldiers were taking things easy,
while their camp followers pitched the tents, lighted the fire, cooked
the food, and prepared the beds, the weary American doing all
these things for himself. What wonder that he frequently, from
sheer exhaustion, went supperless to bed, and slept unsheltered
rather than undergo the labor of pitching his tent, to become the
next day a ready victim to heat and dysentery? The camp auxil-
iary certainly pays for his keep. In spite of his many handicaps,
the American soldier has held his own. He has numerous weak-
nesses, but fear of the enemy is not, fortunately for the security of
the Republic, one of them. I heard foreign officers criticise freely
his military manners, organization and equipment, but never his
fighting qualities, once his burden of antiquated methods is cast
aside and he faces the foe on the fighting line. There he is as he
always was, and let us hope, always will be. In all the criticism
one hears there is an undercurrent of respect. T never see him in
a fight but I feel, with absolute certainty, that the American

HISTORY OF Till: MILITARY CANTEEN

125

* Stamping $ namel Co. Cantee*.
ker Fi/ter ) no

S Shan rr4vrt frr****. I brot

t*A*re Aea/faye

\2() HISTORY OF T11K' MILITARY CANTEEN.

soldier will ever give a good account of himself if not asked to do
more than should be asked of any man. Other elements being
approximately equal, the stoutest heart and steadiest nerve will
win in the most battles. In these qualities, Uncle Sam's boys are
second to none. "They have done their share," is the verdict of
people in China, who have been here through it all. The lessons
of this war have chiefly held to the prosaic lines of organization,
supply, and equipment, and on matters such as these they have
shed a brilliant light for those who care to learn.''

How THE CARRETA, OR WATER CART, USED AT HEADQUARTERS. FIRST

DIVISION, FIFTH ARMY CORPS, IST JULY-IOTII AUGUST,

1898, AT SANTIAGO DE CUBA, WAS OBTAINED.

During the afternoon of Friday, ist July, 1898, after the com-
mander of the First Division, Fifth Army Carps, General J. Ford
Kent, accompanied by his aide, the late Major George S. Cart-
wright, and the Division Inspector, mounted, reached the crest of
San Juan hill, where we had been preceded by General H. S. Haw-
kins, and the 6th and i6th United States Infantry, there was a
lull in the firing of the retreating Spaniards. This gave opportunity
for a brief inspection of the grounds. A carreta, a dead mule, and
some empty water casks, were noted on the western slope. A car-
reta, is a cart with two wheels, fitted to be drawn by one animal.
This particular one had been used by the Spaniards to haul water
to Fort San Juan. A sketch of the carreta, cr water cart accom-
panies this report. The original of the sketch was made by Mr.
Adolfo Carlos Munoz, volunteer aide-de-camp on General Kent's
staff, wounded by a shrapnel bullet just above the right ear, p.
m. of the following day, died iith November, 1899.

After a portion of the 24th United States Infantry gained the
summit on the date first mentioned, the Inspector got a colored
sergeant, name unknown, and two privates same regiment, to assist
in making a break down the slope for the carreta and the barrels.
We succeeded in hauling the outfit up over the crest, and down to
where the Division Commander's hammock was. There it re-
mained in charge of Second Lieutenant Fred L. Munson, com-
manding the division headquarters detachment guard, until August
loth, date of departure from Santiago de Cuba, for Montauk, L.
I. The carreta saved many a weary trip to the San Juan river for
a canteen full of water.

HISTORY <>F TTfl-: MILITARY t A XTKK.V. \2J

OBSERVATIONS OX THE PEKIX RELIEF EXPEDITION'.
By Captain William Crozicr, Ordnance Department, U. S. A.

The Chief Ordnance Officer, General Chaffee's Staff, states as
follows : From the time of the arrival of the first American troops
at Tien Tsin, pth Infantry, plenty was the order of the day.
Ginger ale and bottled water were in abundance. The fare was less
generous on the march to Pekin.

X'o provision was made for supplying the United States troops
with water on the march, other than the canteen which each man
carried. Other troops were better off in this respect. The British
Indians carried \vater in skins on pack mules, and some had barrels
upon carts. But there are wells in all the Chinese villages, and
these, along the line of march, were not more than a mile and a
half apart; and, with the column properly halted, it is as easy to
fill canteens from a stationary well as from a stationary cart or mule.
The water in the wells was always cool, and, though seldom per-
fectly clear, it was never revoltingly turgid, as was that of the rivers
and canals; it was drank freely by all the troops of the expedition.
X'o other troops made such a time about water as the Americans,
who had orders to drink none without boiling it, and had special
utensils provided for the purpose. These orders could not be en-
forced, however, as thirsty soldiers will not wait even when arrived
in camp, for water to boil and cool. Portable filters were provided
and were used in the hospital service, one also I observed in the
light battery, and one was in the headquarters mess. The charac-
teristic ailment of North China, however, seems to come independ-
ently of the water ; it attacks nearly all Europeans and Americans
during their first summer, not sparing even those who drink nothing
but imported waters. With careful inquiry, I was unable to find a
medical man who could assign a satisfactory reason, other than it
was "in the air."

I have neither heard nor read any criticisms of the operations of
the Subsistence Department, other than as these were affected by
lack of transportation, which suggests an inquiry as to the char-
acter and quantity of the latter. The Americans had thirteen four-
mule army wagons and one pack train of forty freight mules, be-
sides two or three ambulances and a Dougherty wagon. This sup-
ply was intended to take care of two regiments of infantry, a bat-
talion of marines, a light battery, and the headquarters. 1 he four-
mule wagon is considered to be distinctly superior to the means
of transportation of supplies employed by the British, Japanese,
Russians, or French. * * * The American train had one man

UcS IllSTOKY OF THE MJLiTAKV CANTEEN.

to four mules, all the loaded animals being driven in a bunch with
a bell-mare leading. Here also was economy of numbers, although
perhaps the Japanese provision of a man to each animal was a
necessity, as their ponies are all stallions, and their train at a halt
was a bedlam of flying heels and wild snorts, it was more dan-
gerous to pass than a Chinese outpost. A large proportion of the
Japanese transportation consisted of pack animals ; the British
Indians had nothing else; the inferiority in economy, when con-
trasted with the American system, is striking, when it is noted that
it requires the same number of mules to carry 1,000 pounds on
packs as will haul 3,000 pounds in our army-wagon. The Ameri-
can pack train carried ammunition only, for which purpose it could
not have been replaced, as it afforded the only means of maintaining
a first reserve supply in constant readiness for immediate distribu-
tion to the firing line. The pack saddles of the different nation-
alities were, in their effect on the animals, of about equal merit.
Occasional sore backs were noticed in all the trains, but the Ameri-
can required the most skillful packer.

# : ;< * * * * *

Within three days after the arrival at Pekin, bottled waters and
fancy groceries began to make their appearance in the American
commissary and within a week there was abundance of these for all.

If a sufficient number of four-mule wagons, the most rapid and
economical transportation yet devised for countries in which they
can go at all, and with a very little help they can do marvels in
the way of trail covering, be supplied to carry all the men's bag-
gage, except their arms and canteens, and, in addition, a sufficient
number of armed men to act as train guards, riding either in the
seats with the drivers or on others provided, these men would be
sufficiently fresh to do the loading and ether extra work, and the
whole organization would.be made more economical and serviceable
than one provided with coolie corps.

FURTHER OPEN AIR TESTS MADE OF CANTEENS
INTENDED FOR USE IN MILITARY SERVICE, MADE AT HEADQUARTERS

DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA, ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA.
(For description of various canteens tested see pp. 57-61 this
report; also further description given below.)

Specifications, etc., of Canteen "A A". Canteen "AA" is the
regulation service pattern canteen, manufactured at Rock Island
Arsenal, 1900, and issued to me direct from there. It has double
cover Petersham felt inner, and dyed duck, or canvas, outer cover.

rt A
cur T

HISTORY ()! Tin-: MILITARY CANTEEN. 129

Capacity 44 fluid ounces, 45 and 2-4 ozs. avoirdupois. Weight,
empty, covers on and dry, avoirdupois, 12 and J ounces. Weight,
filled, covers on and dry, avoirdupois, 58 and ounces. Weight,
filled, covers on, after ten minutes' immersion, avoirdupois, 63 and
2-4 ounces. Weight of the tin canteen flask, empty, no covers on,
avoirdupois, 9 and 2-4 ounces.

This canteen was sent for and used by me in order to have a
standard of comparison, and because of variations noted in other
canteens issued to the First Cavalry, Eighth Infantry, and other
organizations from which I received them, termed "U. S. Army
Regulation Service Canteen, Ordnance Pattern," or "U. S. Army
Regulation Service Tin Flask, Ordnance Pattern", etc. In all tests
made after Test No. 68, all three of these service canteens, or flasks,
were used. Tests were conducted as described on pp. 43-4, this
monograph, and by the same person, using the same thermometers.

Specifications of Canteen "BB". Canteen "BB" is a combina-
tion canteen and filter. Canteen is of the regulation tin flask type,
double cover regulation felt or Petersham inner, and dyed duck
or canvas outer. Made at Rock Island Arsenal, October, 1898, with
a specially wide mouth to accommodate the Mrs. Caroline Parker
Filter. Capacity, filter in, 40 fluid ounces, 42 ounces avoirdupois;
filter out, fluid 45 ounces, avoirdupois, 46 ounces. Weight, filled,
covers on and dry, filter in, 59 ounces avoirdupois. Ditto, after
ten minutes' immersion, 64 ounces avoirdupois. Weight of the tin.
flask, empty, no cover, filter out, 9 and J ounces avoirdupois.
Weight of filter, including soft rubber top, 3 and -J ounces avoirdu-
pois. Weight of duck, or canvas, cover, dry, I and 2-4 ounces.
Weight of same after ten minutes' immersion, 3 and J ounces
avoirudpois. Weight of water absorbed by the canvas cover, i and
2-4 ounces. Weight of the Petersham felt, or inner cover, dry,
I and 2-4 ounces. Weight of same after ten minutes' immersion,
7 and 2-4 ounces avoirdupois. Weight of water absorbed by the
inner cover, 6 ounces avoirdupois. Weight of the canteen ''BB",
empty, covers on and dry, filter out, 12 and f ounces avoirdupois.
Weight of the canteen, empty, covers on and dry, filter in, 16 ounces
avoirdupois.

Specifications of Canteen "CC". The canteen purchased by the
United States for trial, in December, 1898, or October, 1898, from
the Dubuque Stamping and Enamel Company, has been described,
and the objections to enameled metal as a material for canteen
flasks dwelt upon, in previous pages of this monograph. In the
test tables it is termed canteen "C".

130

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY C'AXTKK.Y.

B

6/.<S. Army Refutation Scruice Canteen,
Crdnanc* T&ttern, double Coi/er, feliancL
Cant/as, lu.t baiting , a/so, a, woolen stock f*f
ley ctratvn ovvr it.

Capacity. +s ox. tretyAt; ZZ oz.

Arrow

HISTORY OF Till-: -MILITARY CAXTEEN. 13!

Canteen "CC" is an enameled metal canteen flask bought by the
U. S. from the Dubuquc Stamping & Enamel Company. Its con-
struction, also its material, is in general identical with that of can-
teen "C", Differing in these details : It is covered and its capacity
is less. Its side pieces have wire triangles.

Canteen "CC" has a double cover of the same materials, appar-
ently as are used in Regulation canteen "A" or "AA." It lacks the
filter with which canteen "C" is provided, and the mouthpiece, or
neck, is different. (See blue print of "C," and of "CC", also sketch
of "C", accompanying this report.) The construction of the wire
side triangles of "CC" is similar in material and in shape to the
present regulation canteen. The side loops are not, they being
made of enameled metal ware.

Flask "CC" is encircled by a band, 42 in. by i in., of same ma-
terial as the Petersham felt. It is provided with 2-4 of an ounce
more of this absorbent material than the regulation canteen has.
The side band plain iron wire triangles of this canteen are engaged
in ears of enameled metal, each of which is fastened to the side
band by means of two rivets. The mouthpiece, or nozzle, is also a
separate piece of enameled metal, the overlapping edges of which
are held together by means of two rivets. Apart from the triangles,
rivets, neck-chain, neck-band, chain, cork and its attachments, six
pieces of enameled metal are employed in the construction of the
canteen flask.

Capacity, in fluid ounces, 43. Avoirdupois ounces, 44 and J.

Weight, empty, covers on and dry, avoirdupois, 20 ounces.

Weight, filled, covers on. after ten minutes' immersion, 74
ounces.

Weight, filled, covers on and dry, avoirdupois, 64 and J ounces.

Weight of the empty enameled flask, no covers on, avoirdupois,
1 6 and J ounces.

Weight of the duck or canvas cover, dry, avoirdupois, T and J
ounces.

Weight of the duck or canvas cover after ten (10) minutes' im-
mersion, avoirdupois, 2 and j ounces.

Weight of the water absorbed by the canvas cover, avoirdupois,
T ounce.

Weight of the Petersham felt, or inner cover, including the
band, dry, avoirdupois, 2 ounces.

Weight of the Petersham felt or inner cover, including band,
after ten minutes' immersion, avoirdupois, 10 and 2-4 ounces.

Weight of the water absorbed by the Petersham felt, or inner
cover, including the band, avoirdupois, 8 and -J ounces.

1 3 2

HISTORY OF T1IK MILITARY CANTEEN.
TEST No. <U>.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Hour.

Out

side

Each canteen was full. COVERS DRY. All of the canteens were suspended from a
trestle, so that free circulation obtained.

1 .

A

A- I A A

1! li 1! C C; E

G

H

i

L Q

R

s

T

u

v \v

x

8.00 am
9.00"

+ 4 8
50

170
120

I7O 170- I7O

106 130 144

1701 1 70:170
126 13'-; yS

170
152

170
I 5 8

170
154

I7O 170
132 152

170,170
150144

170 170 I/O
146 150 122

I7 ?
96

170
92

10.00 "

S2

94

74104

122

100

112

72(130

144

132 110 132

126126

126,1^0

,96

68

*66

1 I.OO "

56

80

66! 90

1 08

86

96

641118

136

118 94 118

1141116

112

114

82

62

60

I2.OOIH.

58

72| 62

80

91

76

84

62

1 06

122

106

86

1 06

104

1 02

102

IO2

74

60 c8

i.oo pin

60

66

62

72

84

70

76

62

96

112

94i 78

98

94

92

92

92

70

60

S8

2.OO "

58

64

S8

661 78

66

72

58

90

1 08

86

72

89

88

88

84

86

64

S8

56

3.00"

S8

62

58

66

72

62

68

S8

84

IOO

80 68

84

82

80

80

80 62

58

58

4.00 "

60

58

62! 70

60 64

58

78

94

74

64

80

74

76

74

74

60

58

5.00 "

58

58

58

62

66

6oi 62

58

74

92

72

62

74

72

72

7

72

58

58

58

F,eaky. Leakage occurred in Canteen "X" at the point where the stirrup shaped loops were
c'amped to the sides of .he flask by means of four rivets. The Parker filter in Canteen "1)H"
was found to be broken, having separated from the soft rubber top. Breakage thought to be
occasioned by leaving the flask, filter in, against steam radiator.

TEST No. 70.

Hour. Outside
Temp.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Conditions same as i

n preceding Test.

ALL COVERS T)K\.

A |A-I A A

B

B15

c c

E

G

V

L

Q

R

S

T

U

v

46

52
54

56

58

60

60

58

56

54

\v \

7 AC a m "^46

46

4 S
So
54

5 s

$

54

46
48
50
52

54
54
54
54
54
54

46
48
5
52
54
54
56
54
54
54

46
48
50

52

54
54
56

5r 6
5 6

54

4 6

48
4 8
50
50
52

54

54
52
54

46

48
48
50
52
54
56
54
54
54

46
48
50
50

i

56

54
54
54

4 6
4 8
4 8
4 8
50
50
52

54
54

52

46 46

4846

4848
5050
5052
5054
5054

5 2 |54
52|54
50|54

46
50

52

54
56

it

$

56

46
50

52
52

U

$
$

46 46
4848
5050
5250
5252

5454
5654
5454
5454
5454

46

48
48
48
50
52
52
52
52
52

46

48
4 8
50
50
5 2

54
54

52
52

46 46

48 46

50*48
50: 48
50; 50
54 52
54 52
54 54
54 54
54 52

8 AC " 48

AC " CO

y ^to J
10 AC I C4

n-45 " ! 54
12.45 p m 58

I AC " .. S 2

l -t3 J

i AC 54

" AC " t >4

J'HO JT-

A AC " .- 54

^Leaky. Leakage in Canteen "X" as in preceding test. Temperature of "V," the Eveking,
Westphalia, Canteen, rose above that of the air, and remained above that of its environments for a
period of eight (8) hours. Aluminum Canteen "L," the Karlsruhe, leaden, one; also, the Lanz tin
flask. Canteen "Q" rose above the atmospheric temperature.

Note should be made that none of the canteen covers were wet, or moistened.

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.
TEST No. 71.

133

Open air test in sun for six (6) hours, followed by three (3) hours in the shade.
Each canteen was full. All covers dry. All of the canteens were suspended from a
trestle, so that free circulation prevailed. Test made on the roof of the L, Army
Building, Headquarters Department of Dakota, St. Paul, Minn.

I Out-
Hour side

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

,Tem.

A

A- I A A

B

HH C C

1

E

G

H

I i L o

R

s

T

U

V

w

X

a.m.l

7.50 +58

4 8

48' 4 8

48

48 48 48 48

48

48

48 4^

4 8

48

48] 4 8

48

48

* 4 8

s.50, 60
9.50 70

58
60

56 50

60 54

50
S4

52 5 6

54 58

54

S8

48
So

So

50

52

66 54

68 58

48

SO

50

54

54

50

S2

54

S8

'54

58

56

S<8

10.50 63
11.50 70

64
66

64 58
66 62

56
60

58 62
62 64

64
68

52
56

52
54

56

58

70

72

62
64

56"

58

54
S6

58 56

60 58

64
68

62
64

60
60

p.m.)

I2.'i0 72

70

68 64

64

64. 66

70

S8

S6

60

74

66

62

60

60

60

70

66

64

1.50 60

70

66! 66

66

66 65

70

60

S8

62

74

66

64

62

62

62

7

66

6/j

2.50 60

66

6 4 | 64

64

64 64

64

60

S8

62

70

66

62

62

62

62

66

62

62

3.50 60

64

62 62

64

62 64

62

60

S8

60

68

66

62

60

60

60

64

62

6?!

150 60

62

6o ! 62

62

62 ! 62

60

60

58

60

66

6*

62

60

60

60

62

62

60

"Leaky.

COMMENT. Temperature of "A" - Regulation Canteen held above that of the air during the las 1
three hours.

Temperature of "L" Karlsruhe, Baden, aluminum, German single felt-covered canteen ranged
and kept above that of the air during the closing eight hours of the test.

Soeral other canteens rose to a temperature above that of the atmosphere, and kept above it, dur
ing the three closing hours that the trestle was in the shade.

Note should be made of the fact that none of the covers were wet, or moistened, before or during
this test.

TEST No. 712.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Hour.

Out-
side

All the canteens were full, covers dry, suspended from a trestle und^r glass (storm
window eight panes of glass, each 20x17 inches) placed nearly horizontally above the
canteens in such a manner as to admit free circulation of the air. Trestle stood on roof

of L of Army Building, St. Paul, Minn.

A

A- I A A

B

H B C C

I

E

G

H

i

L

Q

R

S T

u

V

w

x

a. in .

q. IS

*6o

56

S6

56

56

S6 56

56"; 56

S6

S6

S6

56

S6

S6

56

56

56

56

56

10. 15

60

S8

60

S8

S8

60 60

60

S8

S8

S8

60

S8

S8

60

58

*6o

11.15

70

62

62

60

bo

60 60

62

60

58

58

62

60

60

60

58

60

62

62

62

|>. m.

12.15

/o

64

64

62

62

64 64

66! 60

60

60

64

62

62

62

62

60

66

62

64

i. IS

64

64

66

64

64

64! 66

68j 62

62

62

66

64

64

64 62

62

68

64

66

2.15

66

66

66

66

64

66 66

68

62

62

62

68

66

64

64

64

64

70

64

66

* Leaky.

134 HISTORY OF TIll'l MILITARY CAXTliKX.

TEST No. 73.

Out-
Hour , side
Temp.

Temperature of Water in Canteens'

Conditions: Under glass

i preceding test.

i A

A- I

A A

B

B B C C li

G H

i

LJQ

R

s

T

u

v w

a. m .

8.15! +50

56

56

56

56 s6

56

56

56

56

56

56

56

56

o. I c

54

56

56

58

56 56

58;

56

58

58

56

58

58

58

10. 15

56

56

56

58

56 56

58

56

58

58

58

58

58

58

11.15 58 56

56

58

56

56

58

56

58

58

58

58

56

58

p. m .

12. IS 60 56

.58

58

58

58

58

.56

58

58

58

58

58

58

! 15

60 58j

S8

58

58

60

58'

58

60

58

58

58

58

58

2.15

60

58'

60

60

60

60

58

60

58

58

58

58

58

3-15

60
60

58
58

60
60

00

60

60
60

60

58

58

58

58
58

60
60

60
60

&

58
58

-n ',n

OC OC

5-*5

58

58

58

58

58

58!

58

60

58

60

60

58

58

I

TEST No. 74.

Hour.

Out-
side
Temp.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Open-air test, canteens all full, covers dry, suspended from trestle, free circu
of air.

atio

A

A- I

A A

B

B B

C C

K C.

H

I

L

Q

R

S

T

i"

V \Y X

a. m .

7.40

+53

50

50

5

50

50

50

50

50

5o 5<>

50

5 2

48

48

48

48

52|

52

46

52

48

54

54

9.40

4 S

48

48

48

4 8

50

52

46

52

50 54

54

10.40

52

48

4 8

48

48

52

52

48

52

50

54

54

11.40

54

50

50

5o

50

52

52

50

52

50

54

54

p. m.

12.40

56

52

52

52

52

54

54

50

52

52

54

54

1.40

56

54

54

52

54

56

54

52

52

52

54

54

2.40

56

54

54

54

54

56

54

52

54

54

54

54! *

3-4

54

54

54

54

54

54

54

52

54

54

54

54

4.40

54

54

54

54

54 54 , 5* 52 54 54

54

54

I

Hour.

TEST No.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Outside

canteens full, covers dry, suspended from tres-
tle, under glass same as in Test No. 72.

A

A A

B

C C

E

L

Q

R

S

T

U

o 3O am ...... "^"62

56

56

56

56

56

56

56

56

56

56

56

10*^0 " ' 68

60

60

60

60

62

58

58

60

60

60

58

i i 10 " 66

62

62

62

60

62

58

62

60

62

60

60

I "> ^O P HI - 1 64

6?

6*1

62

62

64

60

64

64

62

62

60

I 7O " 64

6 1

64

6/|

6-1

66

62

64

6 4

64

64

62

1 o u . T*
2.30 " : 62

64

64

64

64

64

62

64

64

64

64

62

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN

135

BB

Canteen

ctett&fe Coders . Afaole at Jfo^k. Jafanoi /fr-
Afr*. Caroline ftr

* is the reyts/atic* irt Mask a*icZ-
t, Oct. /898 ti/r'6Ji a sjotctaliy tvriele rrroutJi 4
St'/tcr. '

* net's <S9

. ff/er 7/7, /Vy/e*^, cooenen cutei e?ry

fa/ter T/t. frtfecL, coders ffrr^fter en minutes rnHmtrsion^iioirJujoofS' , 6+ ox.
of the tin Mask . no Coi/ers, eiryjty . fi/ter oirt. 9fy Of..

136

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.
TEST No. 76.

Hour.

Outside
Temperature.

8.00 a. m

1-48

Q.OO "

48

IO.OO "

48

1 1 . OO "

4.8

I2.OO 111

s

I.OO p. Ill

s

2.OO " .

40

-7.OO "

;8

J.V^W

4. OO

^S

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Canteens "A," "AA," "1J" and "CC" immersed
for sixteen (16) hours before commencing test
inside covers of canteens "L," "Q," "R," "S"
I and "T," also "U," saturated outside covers
i dry when test commenced. A fine rain prevailed
1 during the entire period, eight (8) hours, covered
by the test.

A

A A

B

c c

E

L

Q

R ; s

T i U

46

4 6

4 6

46

4 6

4 6

46

46 46

46 46

4 6

46

4 6

46

4 6

4 8

50

5 5

4 8 5 2

4 6

4 6

4 6

46

4 6

4 8

48

48 ; 48

46 50

46

4 6

4 6

46

4 6

4 8

48

48! 48

4 8

4 8

46

4 6

4 8

48

4 6

48

4 8j 48; 48

4 6

4 8

48

4 8

4 8

48

4 8

4 8

48

48 48

48

4 8

44

44

4 6

44

44

4 6

46 46 46

46

4 6

42

42

42

42

40

4 2

421 42 42

4 2

4 2

3?

40

40

40

38

40

40 40 40

40

40

TEST No. 77.

Hour.

Outside

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

All covers wet.

7.40 a. m. .

+ }2

A

44

A A

44

B

44

C C

44

E

44

L

44

Q

44

R

44

S

44

T

44

U

44

8.40 "

>2

T.A

14.

-7.6

7,6

7,6

36

-7.8

-7.6

-7.8

-7.6

-7.S

Q.40 "

^2

12

12

12

12

IA

12

-34

2A

32

32

34

IO.4O "

36

T.2

12

12

i?

$

12

1?

7.7

7?

3?

17,

11.40 "

^8

T.2

12

14-

36

38

14.

12

32

32

34

31

I2.4O p. 1TI

12

12

12

12

18

14,

14.

72

32

24

24.

I 4O "

&

12

12

12

12

3^

12

14.

73

22

24.

22

2.4.0 "

^8

12

12

12

12

-7,8

14

14.

12

2-7

12

34

3-40 "

36

32

32

32

32

38

3 2

32

32

32

32

32

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

137

The following data and specifications regarding Canteens "AA,'
"BB," "CC," and the Lanz Canteens "Q" and "U" are given.

"A A."

ozs.

"BB."
ozs.

"CC."
ozs.

Lanz

"Q."

ozs.

Karls-
ruhe.
Lanz
"U."

ozs.

Weight of the canteen, empty, covers
on and dry

' 129

7O

Weight of the canteen, filled, covers
on and clrv

rSl av

f..Z ..

J 9

I 7

Weight of canteen, filled, covers on^
after ten (10) minutes immersion. . ..
Weight of the canteen flask, empty, no

->? av

631 av
9i

045 av
74 av

07^ av
77i av

TI 3

01 av

774 av

Weight of water in canteen flask

Wt. of the duck, or canvas cover, dry.
Wt. of the duck, or canvas cover, after
ten (10) minutes immersion

j 45 av
U4 fd
I-T

il

j

If

it

j 44l av
U3 fd
If

?'4

t * '

^49 av

U5i fd
3^

rl

J44 av
U2| fd
3k

rl

Weight of the water absorbed by the
canvas cover .

rl

ll

z z

J-i

5-t

Weight of the Petersham, felt, or inner

1 a

, i

*2

T 1

q&

Wt. of the Petersham, felt or inner cov-
er, after ten(io)minutes Immersion..
Wt. of the water absorbed by the Peter-
sham, felt, or inner cover

*2

7i

6

A 2

74
6

ioi

SI

3i

isi

n 1

3S

i5i

TT i

Weight of the canteen, covers on and
dry, filter in, empty

16

2

* 1 2

Weight of the canteen, filled, covers on
and dry filter in

Weight of the canteen, empty, filter
out covers on and dry

I2

Wt. of the canteen, filled, filter in, cov-
ers dn, after ten (10) minutes immer-

\\ T l of water in canteen filter in

i

( 42 av

Wt. of water in canteen, filter out

Weight of the tin flask, empty, no
cover, filter out ...... . .... .... ....

j
I

{40 fd

J 4 6 av
< 45 fd

of

Wt. of filter, including soft rubber top. .
Wt. of the enameled flask, empty, no
covers on. ......... ...... ......

a

i6i

Wt. of duck, or canvas cover, and lelt

7l

4i

Wt. of duck, or canvas cover, and felt
combined, after ten (10) minutes im-

in

17

Wt. of water absorbed by felt and can-
vas cover combined

'

III

I2i

A discrepancy exists in comparing the gross weight of a canteen, covers on, after
immersion, as a whole, in water for ten (10) minutes, as opposed to the result obtained
by separately immersing and then weighing separately, the components of the canteen.
This difference is due to the fact that the felt and canvas covers take up more water
when off the flask of the canteen than they do when on the flask.

Illustration. The gross weight of Canteen "AA," covers on, after ten (10) min-
utes immersion, canteen filled, was 63!^ ounces, while the aggregate weight of same,
separately weighed, after saturation of the covers, was 6534' ounces, avoirdupois.

138 HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

RECOMMENDATIONS, ETC.

It is feconunended that the further manufacture, purchase, or
issue, of the present service canteen cease, and that it be replaced by
a canteen of different material, construction and shape.

That all canteens of the present regulation patterns, now in
Arsenals or Depots of the U. S., be sold as unsuitable. for the public
service, after proper inspection and survey. This under the law of
23d March, 1825, upon which Section 1,241, Revised Statutes, is
based.

That the Lanz method of covering be adopted for the tin can-
teen flasks now in process of fabrication at the Rock Island Arsenal.
By the time that the 98,284 tin flasks now there have corroded, a
better material may be decided on. Aluminum is cheapening con-
stantly. The regulation canteen is not durable. It is poor economy
to continue it in service. The opinion and estimate of the man who
carries and uses the canteen is preferable to the opinion or estimate
of the man who made it. Fidelity to the welfare of the former,
rather than the interests of the latter, prompts the recommenda-
tion. The Bidon of the French Army is said to have been deter-
mined by the men-in-ranks. Dr. Nicholas Senn, of 532 Dearborn
Avenue, Chicago, 111., is quoted as stating that the regulation can-
teen invites epidemics by sheltering the insidious disease germ.
Further, that practical tests have demonstrated that there are other
canteens having merits above that of the regulation canteen. Chang-
ing the material of the flask from sheet tin to enameled ware is the
application of a false, even a dangerous, remedy. When a soldier
raises a canteen to his mouth for the purpose of taking a drink, his
lips embrace the rim of the neck of the flask so that the turned
edges of the nozzle will come inside of his mouth. The lips of the
drinker should not touch the fabric from which the cover of the
canteen is made.

If the present pattern of canteen be retained, it is recommended
that an openable outer cover of textile fabric be adopted instead of
an outer cover fastened round the edges ; further, that the inner
cover now in use be replaced by a cover of all-wool felt of at least
three times the weight, in ounces, of the present inner covering.

When an openable cover is laced up over the moistened felt,
evaporation is retarded when the temperature of the atmosphere
is considerably above temperate and the fluid contents of the
canteens thus kept at a palatable temperature for the soldier's use.
The physical principle involved is manifest.

It is also evident that when the temperature of the atmosphere

HISTORY OF Till-: MILITARY CANTliKX. 139

is considerably below temperate, a canteen flask covered as recom-
mended, inner felt not being moistened, will keep its contents
at a palatable temperature for the soldier's use longer than if the
present pattern and material of canteen coverings are retained in the
service.

The modern canteen is not of circular, but of oval, gourd, oblong
bottle, or flask, shape. It is recommended that one of these shapes
be adopted for the U. S. Army conteen flask ; also that the side of
the flask that is next the body be flattened or slightly concaved,
the other side being convex. I am of the opinion that the inner
cover, that is, the one superimposed upon the flask, should be
of absorbent material. Further, that the lacing method for the
outer cover, extending partly around the edges of the flask, is
durable as well as simple.

Destructive criticism is of no value in bringing about the solu-
tion of a problem. Certain existing facts in regard to the present
service canteen have been stated. The settlement, remedy, and
alternative, is commonplace and feasible. It consists in retiring the
present regulation canteen issued to the Army, and adopting, in
lieu, the Lanz Canteen.

Perhaps some one else will devise a better one; no one has, as
yet, done so, or submitted a canteen which fulfills so many of the
required qualifications of rational sense and principle desired in a
canteen, as the Lanz Canteen Company, of Chicago, 111. The U. S.
Army should have the best that is offered. The Department having
in charge the selection and issue of canteens should be in sympa-
thetic touch with outside developments.

An objection advanced against the use of the Lanz Canteen is
that the inner cover of all-wool felt will attract moths, and Govern-
ment property thus be eaten up. Equally purile is the objection that
as the inner cover of the Lanz Canteen is thicker in substance than
the present regulation inner covers, it will soak up more water and
tlnrs increase the weight that the soldier has to carry ; of course,
it will. The inner cover has functions; one function is to absorb
several ounces of water in warm weather, when immersed. Unused
idle canteen jackets of wool-felt may be eaten by moths if not pro-
tected just as storekeepers protect furs and woolens. Omelets
cannot be made unless eggs be broken. Practical soldiers in the
field would not object to a few ounces increased weight caused by
the absorbent capacity of the felt covering, in view of the gain in
palatablencss of the fluid within caused by the soaked cover and

140

HISTORY OF TFIK .MILITARY CAXTEEX.

f/aak, ctrcu/ar, mad* in. /Vetvark W<T., Cootr
the LartK method, doulle coi/tf i fe/t and <*ar>i/as .
++cx.- t #eif4t ,/6ox.

fsftUVS S^CH>. jr'rtre /eakaye ityaft

o

, /Ke/T, /I fa mi num. Catrteen
Flask, circu/ar. H<? cover. /Yo solder
said to be used,. Ca/oasi>ty. /6 OZ.. ,
/r 3'/f ox.

ol Aluminum Canteen.
. Capacity, 9 cz. t> 8cz,

Scale:

feakaye &*yan

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN. 14!

succeeding- retarded evaporation secured by the outer canvas cover,
in an arid region or on a sweltering day.

Believing that the canteen which most effectually performs its
functions, viz. : to carry and preserve the temperature of the fluid it
contains, either in hot or cold weather, to be the best for the mil-
itary service, I recommend the Lanz Canteen as best fulfilling these
requisites.

The new Lanz Canteen is of aluminum, one piece, oblong shape,
one face concave, opposite side convex, covered, with 4-8 inch all-
wool felt; openable (3 piece) outer cover; has strap with rings in
end to go round the flask and cover, through loops in latter.

The new Lanz Canteen is an ounce or so heavier, dry, and ab-
sorbs much more water than the government canteen. The remov-
able canvas cover permits rapid saturation of the felt covering, when
immersed, saturation being effected in a very few minutes. A Gov-
ernment canteen, which had been used, absorbed only one ounce of
water in ten minutes, while the loose felt covering showed a capacity
to absorb five ounces. Twelve hours' immersion of this canteen
caused it to absorb only four ounces. The fixed canvas covering
prevents access of water to the felt. The felt not being saturated
loses its small amount of moisture comparatively soon and with the
passing of evaporation the contents of the canteen soon become
warm.

The Lanz Canteen absorbs its water quickly and its canvas cover
placed dry over the wet felt retards evaporation and keeps the con-
tents cool for a much longer period than the regulation canteen.
Further, trials have proven that the Lanz Canteen will keep fluid
at a palatable temperature in an Arctic region longer than the U. S.
canteen will. The flask of the Lanz Canteen is lighter than the
U. S. canteen and holds more water ; further, the openable cover of
the Lanz Canteen is as enduring as the U. S. cover, and possesses
advantages that the U. S. cover does not possess.

The shape of the Lanz Canteen is considered an advantage by
officers and men who have had field experience and who have
tried it.

Attention is invited to drawings of six aluminum flasks, divested
of their coverings, kept for sale by Mr. Lanz. Their capacities vary
from 9-100 to 1.7 liter; none are circular in shape; all are oval; all
are concave on one side, the opposite side being convex; some are
dull finish lusterless some are polished ; some have flat bottoms,
these last can stand up ; some have drinking cups ; some of the tops
are screw tops.

142 HISTORY OK T1IK MILITARY CANTEEN.

My statements, opinions and recommendations regarding can-
teens have been based upon original test or examination, and not
upon communicated information.

As regards the Lanz method of insulating canteens, my pre-
possessions were favorable, because the system seemed a common-
sense one and the methods rational. Neither theory or bias, how-
ever, influenced my investigations nor my recommendations.

I did not accept the claims, tests, or results, or conclusions of any
manufacturers of canteens, or material for canteens, or the com-
ponents of canteens. I made my own tests.

The methods of tests and manner of making experiments arc-
described on p. 77.

Fluid versus Avoirdupois, Measurement It has been assumed
throughout this monograph, that 455 and 7-10 grains constituted
the fluid ounce, which is 18 arid 2-10 in excess of an ounce avoirdu-
pois. Manufacturers often state that the capacity of a flask is
so-and-so many ounces, meaning ounces avoirdupois, not liquid
measure.

TINNING AND RETINNING SHEET STEEL USED IN MAKING CANTEEN

FLASKS DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCESSES OF TINNING AND

OF RETINNING MALLEABLE IRON AND STEEL PLATE.

The specifications for the regulation army canteen itemize that
it shall be "made of XXXX tin, circular in shape, 7 and J inches
in diameter, sides oval and smooth, thickness through, three (3)
inches", etc.

As the Ordnance Department has, for more than a generation,
been making, or contracting for the making of canteen flasks "of
XXXX tin", no treatise or monograph about military canteen is
complete unaccompanied by a reference to sheet metal goods rr
articles of iron or steel coated with tin.

The coating of articles of iron and steel ware with zinc, or, as the
process is generally known, "galvanizing" them, as a means of
retarding oxidation and for other reasons, is an industry about
which there is no mystery.

The tinning of malleable iron, or of steel, is an easy process to
master. The price of the metal used to tin articles makes the cost
of the material more than the labor cost.

The tinning of sheet steel, such as is used in making canteens
and the retinning of tin ware, are special processes.

It is understood that the terms "X", or "XX", or "XXX", or

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN. 143

"XXXX" tin, as applied to sheet tin, refer to the thickness of I lie
metal plus its tin coating.

Further, that four cross tin, or "XXXX" tin, is a sheet of tinned
steel plate, thicker than three cross tin, "XXX" tin, that has been
pickled, cleaned, immersed ; first in a bath of molten tin ; second,
into a bath of hot tallow, or oil ; third, passed, while the tin is still
melted, through steel rollers running in the hot oil, that strip off
all superfluous tin, leaving a thin, smooth, coating.

The tinplate used in making the regulation canteens that I have
tested, has a coating of tin of about three (3) pounds to the box of
112 sheets of 14 x 20, or, say, .0138 pounds per square foot, two
sides.

The best grade of tinplate made by the American Tinplate Com-
pany is known as "AAAA Charcoal", and has a coating of five (5)
pounds to the box, or .023 pounds per square foot.

Either of these coatings is very light, and the action of the dies
in drawing or stamping the canteen sides into shape injures the
surface to some extent and has a tendency to make it porous, thus
causing the steel plate to soon rust through the coating of tin.

The Lanz Manufacturing Co., of Chicago, claims that the proper
way to make tin canteens is to retin them by the process employed
on all fine stamped tinware ; that is, to retin the sides of the canteen
after they have been stamped into shape and before the sides have
been soldered around the edges.

The process of retinning differs from the process of tinning the
plate above outlined, and is as follows. No pickling is required.

In retinning the article is dipped by hand : first, into hot beef
tallow or palm oil ; second, into molten tin ; third, it is drawn by
hand through a pot of hot oil which gives a smooth, bright surface
but does not remove the tin as do the rollers in making the plate.
After the tin has "set," the article is hand rubbed in flour.

The coating left on the plate is equal to about 45 pounds to the
i ,000 square feet, or .045 pounds per square foot, or nearly three
times as much tin as is found on the surface of the average regula-
tion canteen.

This retinning process, or Lanz method, of making canteens pro-
duces more durable ones, hence more desirable ones, than the tin-
ning method. They should last three to four times as long as the
regulation canteen now issued by the military establishment. They
cost somewhat more, but are worth more.

The Lanz Manufacturing Co. also suggests, in addition to retin-
ning the flask, that either a small piece of zinc be soldered to the

144 HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

inside, or that the nozzle of the canteen be made of zinc, as it is
a well known fact that zinc and tin plate, soldered together, cause
a slight galvanic action, which seems to prevent oxidation to some
extent.

If any kind of tin canteen is retained in service, the advantages
to be gained by the adoption by the U. S. of the Lanz method arc
unquestionable. Such is accordingly recommended, coupled with
the further suggestion that this statement be referred to the Board
of Ordnance, Fortification and Equipment, and also to the Chief
of Ordnance, U. S. A.

I have inspected creamery, also cheese factory, appliances and
dairy utensils at 316 Robert St., St. Paul, Minn., and elsewhere,
made of XXXX Charcoal tin, retinned after they had been stamped
into shape by the process observed by Mr. Lanz.

Some of these utensils, milk cans, separators, and other appli-
ances had been in use for several years and subjected to very much
the same kind of banging round that a soldier gives his canteen,
but, in general, they showed only slight traces of rust, even in milk-
vats submerged in moving water.

The different processes of the coating of sheet metal goods and
articles of iron and steel with zinc "galvanizing" them; also of
tinning malleable iron, wrought iron, and steel ; also of retinning the
latter ; in other words, the methods of coating with zinc and tin by
immersion, are described and explained by W. T. Flanders, of
Nashua, N. H., in a practical treatise, edition 1900, published by
David Williams Co., 232-8 William St., N. Y. No description is
known to me of processes of. covering thin plates with aluminum
of tin. The difficulties of a reliable solder would not appear to
apply to such. If a tenacious coat of tin could be applied to a thin
sheet of aluminum of requisite strength, durability, etc., the sheets
of the latter so coated can be joined as securely as in the present
regulation tin canteen, it might be an improvment upon the present
service canteen.

In a recent communication received from the New Jersey Alumi-
num Company, of Newark, N. J., the firm states : "We are for-
warding you today by express two canteens made of aluminum, and
all one piece, there being no seam or solder used. You will also
observe that we have covered these in a crude way with felt, since
you advocate not sending them naked. Our principal object now
is to find out whether we have made a canteen that will stand the test
such as you are liable to give it and as to whether we have caught
your idea as to shape. These which we sent you would be the most

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN. 145

convenient to make. What we are after principally now is to find
out whether we have made a canteen that will stand the test. We
can readily make improvements as to covering and stoppers later on.
We have spent some little money to produce these two samples and
we sincerely hope that they will meet all requirements. We would
thank you to acknowledge receipt and inform us later what the
results are."

The Indian Aluminum Company, Limited, Manufacturers and
Importers of Aluminum Ware, Mount Road, Madras, British India,
write as follows :

"We have read your letter in the Aluminum World of February,
1901, and as there appears to be a reluctancy in coming forward on
the part of some of the American manufacturers, we beg to for-
ward you a sample of our 2-pint aluminum water bottle. We manu-
facture many patterns of different sizes, but this is a pattern which
we have supplied many regiments in India. It is made out of one
single piece of aluminum, without seams of any kind whatsoever,
nor is it spun or pressed as in the case of the water bottle of German
manufacture. We have entirely superseded the German manufac-
ture of water bottles in India, and many officers have reported most
favorably on the water bottles that we have supplied their regiments
with.

''We regret to state that we do not quite understand your method
of testing, but if you will be good enough to point out any flaws in
the sample sent you, we would esteem it a favor and be quite pre-
pared to remedy the defect in our future supply.

"We have made these bottles on one or two occasions of a size
large enough to contain a gallon.

The Indian water bottle appears to be shaped like one of the
cork sections of a life preserver belt. One face is concave, so as to
fit close to the body. The outer face is convex. Ends are rounded.
Top has four ventilating eyelets. The whole is covered with felt, or
felted cloth, the thickness and weight of which are not described.
It is not stated whether or not there is an inner cover or any sub-
stance between the felted cloth and the flask. It is provided with a
carbine hook. See cuts No. loi-b, IO2-C. It would be improved by
the addition of an openable canvas cover over the felt to retard evap-
oration in hot weather. One pattern has a carry strap about its mid-
dle, buttoned by overlapping on the outside. Another pattern has a
leather carry strap extending over its edges, also under the bottom.
The strap is held in place by four leather loops, the latter being
stitched to the felted cloth cover.

146 HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

The New Jersey Aluminum Co., Newark, N. J., manifests activ-
ity and submits two oblong-shaped aluminum canteens, differing
only in capacity, of its most recent manufacture. No seams or
solder said to be used. Method of construction is not explained.
In this report they are designated "MM" and "NN" respectively.

Canteen "MM" Weight of naked flask, 9 and J ounces ; capac-
ity 42 fluid ounces. Weight, filled, cover on and dry, 56 ounces,
avoirdupois.

Canteen "NN" Weight of naked flask, 7 and J ounces ; capac-
ity, 38 and \ fluid ounces. Weight, empty, dry cover on, cork in,
8 and J ounces, avoirdupois. Weight, filled, cover dry, 49 ounces,
avoirdupois.

Both have removable single felt covers, laced up on one side
only, Lanz method ; high collar.

BOARD OF ORDNANCE, FORTIFICATION AND EQUIPMENT.

It is submitted that the reports regarding canteens and the tests
made thereof by me have shown: ist. The advantages and disad-
vantages of the Lanz Canteen and cover system as compared with
the Regulation Canteen. 2d. The advantages and disadvantages
of the Lanz Canteen system as compared with other canteens differ-
ing from it in material, construction, or shape. 3d. The suitability
of the Lanz Canteen for the use of troops in campaign, in the field,
or on the march.

If the selection of a canteen rested with troops inured to tropical
service, it is believed that they would choose the Lanz in preference
to the Regulation Canteen or to any experimental canteen now
under consideration.

There are certain obstinate facts hard to ignore. One is ex-
pressed tersely and comprehensively by Captain Alfred E. Bradley,
Asst. Surgeon, Medical Dept, U. S. A., after a series of tests made
at Fort Snelling, Minn., of the Regulation Canteen versus the Lanz
Canteen. He writes : "The outer cover of the Regulation Canteen
prevents the access of water to the felt. The felt, not being satur-
ated, loses its small amount of water comparatively soon, and, with
the passing of evaporation, the contents of the canteen soon become
warm. The Lanz Canteen absorbs its water quickly, and its canvas
cover, placed dry over the wet felt, retards evaporation and keeps
the contents cool for a much longer period."

This statement of fact is, in a nutshell, a substantiation of the
majority of the claims of the Lanz Canteen.

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

147

Success means the displacement of somebody, or something 1 , or
the survival of the strongest. Naturally, the Department charged
with the manufacture and issue of canteens wants to continue to
make the same. It follows that tests and experiments with a device
originating with any inventor should be conducted along lines of
the Department rather than those formulated by the inventor as
essential in order to demonstrate the superiority of his device.

The Board of Ordnance, Fortification and Equipment is not cir-
cumstanced to conduct canteen tests in anything like the manner in
which they would be tested by a soldier in the ranks in campaign
time, in any climate, hot or cold.

The Board measurably relies upon tests, experiments, etc., made
by those whose facilities, environments and opportunities enable
them to do detail work.

It is recommended that the tests, experiments and recommenda-
tions regarding the Regulation Canteen versus the Lanz Canteen,
and other canteens presented for use in the military service, or
reported by the Inspector General, Dept. of Dakota, on dates in
September, October and November, 1900, and transmitted to the
Inspector General of the Army, through official channels, be referred
for the consideration of the Board of Ordnance, Fortification and
Equipment.

TEST No. 78.

Hour.

Outside
Temperature.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Each canteen was full. All covers were dry. All of the
canteens were suspended from a trestle so that free
circulation prevailed.

A

AA

B

94

86
80

78
76

74
74
72
70
68

c c

E

H

L

Q

R

s

T

94
86
80
76
76
74
74
72
72
68

u

7.-2C a. m

+52

56
62

66
66
72
72
66
66
64

94

82

76
72
72
72
70
72
70
68

94
82
76
72
70
70

74
70
68
66

94

84

78
76

74
74
70

74
70
68

94

76
70
68
68
68
82
68
66
64

94
90
86

84
82
82
76
80
78
76

94
84
78
76

74
74
80

74
70
68

94
92

88
86

84
82

78
78
74
72

94
9

84
82
78
78
78
74
72
70

94

11

82
80
80

74
76

72
70

80

7 f
76

74
74
74
70
70

8. 35 "

Q.T5 "

10.35 "

11.^5 "

12. ^5 p. m

1. 75 "

2.35 "

7.7% "

4-3S' "

148

HISTORY OP TllE MILITARY CANTEEN.
TEST No. 79.

Hour.

Outside
Temperature.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Each canteen was full. All covers w
canteens were laid on a stone (gran
the sun, and remained so exposed

:re dry. All of the
tejwindow sill, in
for nine (9) hours.

A

A A

B

c c

E

H

L

Q

R

s

T j U

7 40 am

*6 4

66

68

72

1

86
82

74

60

6 4
64

68
72
74
76
78
80
80

60

64
6 4

68
72
74
76
78
80
80

60
62
6 4

66
70

M

78
80
80

60
62

62

64
68
70
74
76
78
78

60

66
66
70
74
76
80
82
80
78

60
62
62
64

66
68
70

72
72

72

60

6 4

66
68
72
76
78
80
82
80

60

62
64
66
68

72

74
76
76
76

60
62
64

66
70

72

74
76

78
78

60

64
64

66
68
72
74
76
78
78

60 60
62 62

64 64

66 66
68 68
72 72
74 76
76 78
78 78
80 78

8.40 "

0.4.0 "

10.40 '

11.40 "

12.40 p ill

1. 4O "

2.4O "

7.4.O "

4-40 "

TEST No. 80.

Hour.

Outside
Temperature.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Each canteen was full. All felt covers were wet. Can-
vas covers were not immersed.

A

A A

B

c c

E

H

L

Q

R

s

T

U

1

62
62
62
62
62
62
60
60

7 TC a m

t66

68
76

78
78
80
78
72
72
72

60
62

62
64

68
72
72

72

50
58
60
60
62
62
62
62
60
60

50
58
62
62
62
62
62
62
60

58

5o

58
58
60
60

62
62
60
58

58

5
60
72
76
76
76
76
76

74
72

5

54
56
f
60
62
64
64
64
64

50

58
62

64
64
64

64
64
64
64

50
56
f
60
62
62
62
62
60
58

50

54

g

62

66
66
62
62
62

5
54

f
60

62
64
64
64
64

64

50

IS

60
60
62
62
62
60
60

8.^q "

Q ^ "

JO 7C "

II. " "

12. "\^\ D in

I.-2C "

2.n "

i is

4-35 "

TEST No. 81.

Honr.

Outside
Temperature.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Each canteen was filled. All felt, or
The canteens were suspended from
L of the Army Building, St. Pat.
tact. Free circulation of air preva

other covers were wet.
a trestle placed on the
, Minn. Not in con-
iled.

A

4 6
64

66
64
62
68

M

76

74

A A

B

46
58
64
6 4
62
60
62
62
60
58

C C

E

~t
64

74

^

76

78
82

78

74
74

H

L

MM

Q

46

58
62
64
60
62
60
60
58
58

R

S

T

u

7.40 a.m

8 4.0 "

+72

82

84
8 4
80
8 4
8 4

74
74
74

46
60
64
64
62
60
62

64
62

58

46
60

66
66
62
62
60
60
60
63

46

54

g

62

64
64
64

64
62

46
60
64
64
62
62
64

6 4
64

68

f
64

66
66
64
64
66
66
68
68

46
f
62

64
62
62
62
60
60
60

46
60

64
62
60
60
60
60
60
60

46
60
62
62
62
60
60
60
60

58

46
60
64
64
62
62
62
60
60
60

9. 4.O " .

T-
IO 4O

1 1 40 "

12.40 p. in

I 4.0 "

2 4.O "

-3. 40 "

4-40 "

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

TEST No. 82.

149

Hour.

Outside
Temperature.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Each canteen was filled. Canteens "A" Regulation and
"Q," also "R" and "S" Lanz had dry covers. All
other canteens were immersed for ten (10) minutes. Open-
able canvas covers were not immersed. All of the can-
teens were laid on a stone (granite window sill in the sun
and remained so exposed for nine (9) hours.

A

48
58
6 4
72
78
82

84

86
86
86

A A

^8

f
60

64
66

70
74
78
82
84

B

c c

E

H

L

48
56
60
62

66
70
76

80
82
82

MM

Q

R

s

T

u

48
56

f
62

64
68
70
70
70
70

7 AS a m

+68
72
76

78
80
82
84
84
82
80

48

62
66
68
68
72
72
74

48
f

60

62
64

66

68
72
76
76

48
6 4

72

Si

86
86
84

4 8
56
58

&

64
64

66

68
68

4 8

I 8
62

64

68
72
78
82
86
84

48

11

60

64
68
72
76

11

48

54

I 8
62

66
70
74
76
76
76

48
54
56
62
66
70
72

74
76
76

4 8

t
62

66

63
7o

72
72
70

8 AS " .

9 A C "

TJ ..

jo /iC

U,4.C "

12 AS T3 III ...

I AS "

2 AC

IAC

4-45 "

TEST No. 83.

Hour.

Outside
Temperature.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Each can
for ten
not imi
from a
Buildir
() hou

teen was filled. All canteens were immersed
10) minutes. Removable canvas covers were
nersed. All of the canteens were suspended
trestle placed in the sun on the roof of the Army
ig, St. Paul, and remained so exposed for eight
rs.

A

A A

B

c c

L

MM

Q

R

s

T

u

62

68
68
68
62

7 AS a., m

*lo

78
78
84
88
88
78
72

50
62
64

66
68
70

74
78
78

50
62

64

66
66
68
70
68
66

5
62

64
66
66
68
68
68
64

62
64

64
66
66
68
66
62

50
66
70
76
80
86
86
84
80

5

62

64
66
66
70
70
70
70

5
62
64
66
68
70
70
70
66

64
68
68
70
68
64

50
58
62
62

66
68
70
70
68

50

62

64

66
66
68
68
68
64

50
62
64

66
68
70
68
68
64

8 AS "

9.45 "

IO AS "

1 1 -AS "

12. AS P. ni

I AS "

2 AS "

3-45 "

TEST No. 84.

Hour.

Outside
Temperature.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

All of the canteens were filled. Each canteen was im-
mersed for ten do) minutes. Openable canvas covers
were not immersed Allof the canteens were then laid
on a stone (granite) window sill in the sun, on the roof
of the Army Building, St. Paul, Minn., and remained
so exposed for nine (9) hours.

A

A A

5
60
66
70
70
72
72

74
76

78

B

C C

5
64

72
82
88
92
86
86
86
84

L

MM

Q

R

50
58
62
66
70
74
74
74
76
76

s

5
f
62
66
68
72
72
72
74
74

T

50
58
64

68
70

72
70
72
72
72

u

Is

62
66
68
70
70
72
72
72

8. 1 S 3- ni . ...

+70

72
82
88
84
84
80
84
84
80

5
62
68
72
72
76
80
82
84
84

64
70
70
72
70
7 2
72
72

50

60

64

68
70
70
70
72
72
72

64

68
70
74
76
78
80
80

5O
62

66

72

74

$

82

50

f
62

66
68
72
72
72
74
74

Q I S "

10. 15 '

1 1 . 1 S "

12 I S p in

I . I S "

2. 1C "

7 T r "

A. 1C "

5-15 "

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

TEST No. 85.

Hour.

Outside
Temperature

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

All of the canteeus were filled. Each canteen was im-
mersed for ten (10) minutes. Openable canvas covers
were not immersed. All of the canteens were then
suspended from a trestle in the sun, exposed on the
roof of the L of Army Building, St. Paul, Minn.

A

A A

B

c c

E

L

MM

Q

R

s

T

u

7.45 a. m

+80

86
92
94

100
100
100
IOO

92
90

50

68
70

72

74
82
90
94
98
98

50

6 4

68
70

72
72
78
82
86
90

50

66
70

72
72

76
76

78
76

78

5o
64

68
72
72
72
7 2
74
74
74

50

68
80
86

88

94

98

IOO
102
IOO

5
66
70

72
74
78
82

9
92

94

50

66
70

72
74
74
78
84
88
90

50
62
66
70
72
74
74
76
80
78

|0
60
6 4

68
70
76
76
80
82
82

i

66
70

74
76
76
80
80
80

i:

68
70
72
72
74
76
76

74

5
62
66
70
72

74
76
78
80
78

8.4.1; "

Q.4.C "

lO.A 1 ^ "

II. 4^ "

12.45 p. m

1-4? "

2.41; "

7.4C "

4-45 "

TEST No. 86.

Hour.
7.45 a. m

Outside
Temperature.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Conditions : Same as in preceding Test No. 85.

A

^8
68
72
74
78
88

94
98
98
96

A A

B

c c

E

L

MM

^8
68
74
76
78
80
82
88
92
92

Q

^8
64
68
72
74
76
78
78
80
80

R

"?
60

66
70
74
78
80
82
82
82

s

T

"48
64
70
72
7 6
78
82
82
82
80

U

48
60

66
70

M

80

82

84
82

+86
9

92
96

98
104
104
104
94
94

48

66
68
72

74
76
80
88
92
94

4 8

66
70

72

74
76
78
78
78
78

48
68
70
74
74

%

11

78

4 8
70
80

88
94

IOO
102
102

9 8

94

48

68
70
74
76
80
84
90
96

94

48
62
66
70
72

\l
g

80

8.41; "

Q.4.C "

IO.4H "

11.45 "

12.45 p. m.

I-4S "

2.4.S "

7.4C "

4-45 '

TEST No. 87.

Hour.

Outside
Temperature.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

All of the canteens were filled. All of the canteens were
immersed, both covers on, for ten (10) minutes before
being exposed to the sun, suspended from a trestle
placed on the roof of the L of the Army Building, St.
Paul, Minn.

A

A A

B

50
62

68
70
70
70
70
70
70
70

c c

E

L

MM

Q

R

50
60
64

66
68
72
74
74
76
76

s

T

5
62
68
68
70
70
70
72
70
68

u

5
62

64
66
68
70
70
72
74
74

7.4^ a. m..

+ 7 8
80
84

88
88
90
90
88
80
So

5

66
70

70

76
80
86
88
86
84

5

64

68
68
68
68

%

78

78

5

64
66
68
68
68
68
68
72
72

50

74
82
88
88
92
92
90
86
84

50

66
70
70
72

H

84
82
82

50
6 4
70
70
70
7 2
80

86

86
84

50
60
64

66
68
68
68
70
72
72

^8

64

66
70
70
70

72
72
72

8.4S "

0.4. S "

y TO

10.41; "

ii. 4=; "

I2.A< p m

I.4C "

2.4^ "

^.4<; "

4-45 '

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.
TEST No. 88.

Hour.

Outside
Temperature.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Conditions same as in Test No. 87.

A
50

54

58
62
68
76
80
82
82

A A
50

1
f

60
64

68

72
72

B

C C

50

58

i

66
68

E

L

MM
50

r

60
60

66
72

76
76

Q

50

54
54
56
58

58
60
62
64

Oil

R

s

50
54

54
56

62
66
66
66

T

u

11

70
72
78
80
80

78
76
76

ON ON ON ON ONOn On On On On
4^-f^tOtoOOOONONtOO

1
64

70
72
78
80
82
82
82
80

50

f
60
62
68
74
76
76

50

54

I

62
64
66
66

50

54

58
58
62
62
62

50
54
56
56

60
62

64

04

8 45 "

Q A r "

10. AC "

II AC "

12 45 p m

2 AC "

3 AC "

4 4j

TEST No. 89.

Hour.

Outside
Temperature.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

All openable canvas covers were removed before immers-
ing the felt covered canteens for ten (10) minutes. The
dry canvas covers were then replaced over the wet
felt and canteens exposed same as in Test No. 88.

A

A A

50

f
60

62
6 2
64

66
68
70
70

B

Te
g

62
64

66
66
68
68

c c

50

58

&

62
66
66
66
66
66

E

50

66
70

i

86
86
88
86

L

MM

50

f
60

62
64

66
68
7o
76

78

Q

50

54
56

?
60

66
68
70

72
74

R

5
62
62
62
64
66
68
70
72
72

s

T

50

&

62
64
66
68
68
70
70

u

+64
66

72
72
82
82

88
82
82
80

5
f
60
62
64

68

74
78
82
82

58

6O
62
6 4

66
70

70
76

78

50
54
58

66
68
70
70

72

5
56
58
58
60
66
68
68
68
68

8 40 "

94.O "

IO.4.O "

I I 4.O "

12.40 p. m

1 . 4.O "

"> 4O "

'vAO "

4-40 "

TEST No. 90.

Hour.

Outside
Temperature.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Canvas and felt covers immersed for ten (10) minutes
before commencing test.

A A A

B

C C

E

L

MM

Q

R

S

T

U

7.4C a. m.

+62
62

64
60
62
60
62
6 4

66
64

56
58
58
58
58
58
60
60

52
56

1

58
60
60

On ONOn On On On On On On On

00 O 00 00 ON ON ON ON-**, to

52

54

56
56

58
58

52

f
62

58
62
62
62
60
62
64

ON ON ONOn On On On On On On

O O O 00 oc oo oo ON-. to

On ON ONOv On On On On On On

OOO O OOOOGCONONONIO

52
52

54
56
56
56
58
58
58
60

ONOn OnOnOnOnOnOnOnOn

O OO OO ON ON ON ON ON-f^ to

ON ONOi On On On On On On On

O O 00 00 ON ON ON ON (0 tO

On ONOn On On On On On On On

00 O 00 OO ON ON ON ON-F>- to

52

54
54
56
56
56
58
58
58
58

S.AC "

Q 4.C "

IO.AC "

1 1 AC "

12 45 p m

2.4C "

4-45 "

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

TEST No. 91.

Hour.

8.00 a. m.

9.00 " .
10.00 "
ii.oo " .
12.00 m. .

i.oo p. m.

2.00 " .

4.00 "

5.00 " .

Outside
Tempera tvre.

+72
76
80
84
84
86
84
84
86
88

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

All canvas covers removed before immersing canteens
for ten (10) minutes. Canvas covers then replaced
over wet felt, before commencement of test.

A A A

C C

MM

52

f
64

66
68
68
68
68
70
70

52 52

62

62

641 64
66 68

68| 72

58

62
64
66
68
70
70
72

TEST No. 92.

Hour.

8.00 a. m

9.00 " ....

10.00 "

ii.oo "

12.00 m- ...
i.oo p. m. ...

2.00 "

3.00 " ....

4.00 "

5.00 " ....

Outside
Temperature.

68
70
70
62

60

58
58
62

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Both canvas outer, and felt inner covers immersed for
ten (ro) minutes before commencement of test.

AAABCCE L MM Q

50

50

62

58
S^

54

52
52
52

TEST No. 93.

Hour.
9.00 a. m

Out-
side
Temp.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

All canteens filled and covers dry.

A

52
60

72
82

86
90
92
90

88

A A

B

c c

E

52
6 4
80

88
92
96

94
90
90

L

MM

li

72

78

86
90
92
90
90

Q

"i

6 4
7 o

74
80
82
84
84

R

52

58

66

M

80

82
84
84

s

52
58
66
70
76
So
82
84
84

T

P

66
70
76
80

84

u

52
58
66
70
76
80
84
84
86

Y* ZT

+82

84
9
92
100
9 8
9 2
9
9

52
62

70

78

86
90
90
90
90

68

74
82
86
90
90
90

n

68
76
82
88
90
90
88

70
78
86
90
90
90
90

I 2 I 2

64 64

74 72
80 78
84 84
88 86
86 84
86 86
86 86

IO OO "

II.OO "

12.00 m

1 .00 p. m

2 OO "

3 OO "

4.00 "

S-oo "

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.
TEST No. 94.

153

Hour.

Out-
side
Temp.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

All canteens filled and covers dry except Canteen "T," the
covers of which wene wet.

A

V A

B

54
62
70

72
74
74
74
74
76
76

c c

54
62
68

74
74
74

%

E

L

54
64
70
74
76

\\

88
92

MM Q

R

s

T

"i

68
70

72
74
74
74
76
74

u

54
62
66

72
72
74
74
74
76
78

Y*

54
64
72
80
82
86
88
90
90
92

zf

+82

86

100
100
IOO

96

98

IOO

98

92

54
64
70

72
72

11

86
9 96

54
62

68
72
72
74
74
78
82
86

54
68

78
88

9
94
94
96
96
96

54 54
66 62
7 2| 68
74| 72
76 74
76; 76
76! 76
80 76
88 ; 78
92! 78

8

6 4

68
7

^
76

78
80
82

68
70

72
74
74
76

78
78

54
64

72
78
82
86
86
90
90
90

8 4.0 "

9A.O "

10 40 "

II AO " .

I 2 40 P 111 ....

I 4O "

2 4.0 " .

1 AO "

4-40 "

TEST No. 95.

Hour.

Out-
side
Temp.

Temperature of Water in Canteens.

Conditions: Same as in Test No. 94.

A

54
70

%
78
82
88
94
96
96

A A

B

c c

E

L

MM

Q

R

S

T

u

Y*

zt

7.30 a. m
8 30 "

+86
9 2
IOO

IOO

104

104

104

IOO

96

92

54

M

78
78
78
78
82

84

86

54
68
72
78
78
78
78
78
76
76

54
68

H

76
76
78
78
74
76

54

72

78
84
96
98

100
IOO

98
96

54

72

74
78
80
80
82
84
90
90

54
7 2
74
78
80
80
80
84
90
9 2

54
70

74
76

76
76
78
78
76
76

70

72
78
80
80
82
82
8 4

S

68

72
76
78
78
78
80
78

It

72
7 6

78
78
78
78
76
76

72
76
76
76
78
80
76
78

&

11
86
90
92
92
92
92

8

11

84
88
90
90
92
90

Q 1O "

IO ^O "

1 1 TO " .

I "> ^O p 111

1. 10 " .

2 ^O "

1 1O "

4-30 "

^DESCRIPTION OF CANTEEN "Y." From Messrs. Hermann, Schutte & Co., Cannstatt a Necker.
Germany. Aluminum, 99% pure, drawn and pressed out of one solid piece. Mouthpiece, two
pressed parts. No cover. Weight of flask, 8^ ozs. Capacity, 46 fluid ounces. Weight, filled,
57*4 ounces, avoirdupois.

tDESCRlPTlON OF CANTEEN "Z." Circular Aluminum flask, made by the Griswold Manufactur-
ing Co., Erie, Pa. Cast, including lug, from a wood pattern and wood core box. No cover. Weight
of flask, 17-% ounces. Capacity, 52 fluid ounces. Weight, filled, 72 ounces.

154

HISTORY OF Tilt: MILITARY CANTEEN.

RECORD OF CANTEEN "F."

Synopsis of tests, open-air,- made at Headquarters, Department of Dakota, St.
Paul, Minn., of the Newark, N. J. Aluminum Flask Circular Canteen; no solder said
to be used: Covered by the Lanz method with ^-inch felt; openable canvas cover.
Capacity, 44 ounces. Weight 16 ounces. Termed in this monograph, Canteen "F. "

No. of Tests ." 33. Frozen in Test No. 30; also in No. 38.

Test No. 33, leakage first noticed. Test No. 38 leakage established.

No. of
Test.

.

Outside
Temperature.

Temperature of
Water in Canteen.

Maximum.

Minimum.

Maximum.

Minimum.

30

+ 8

+ 7

+ 54

+ 32

Frozen withdrawn.

31

12

10

52

32

32

14

14

56

32

33

23

20

112

32

Leaked after first hour.

34

34

3 2

no

44

35

32

116

48

36

32

25

116

42

37

40

22

1 16

5 2

38

36

3 2

100

48 Leaked.

39

42

38

94

52

"

40

H

12

96

32

"

41

28

10

98

36

"

42

26

22

94

32

43

12

4

94

32

"

44

34

14

1 06

38

"

$

- 2

Zero.

-10
10

74

102

32
32

47

+28

+ 14

90

34

48

18

H

80

32 Frozen.

49

18

8

I3O

. 34 Leaky.

24

4

50

32

51

16

S

56

32

52

H

2

I 7 8

32

"

53

28

18

1 68

38

54

30

22

170

44

55

22

8

52

32

56

38

24

50

38

57

42

32

52

42

58

18

12

54

32

"

59

2

- 4

5 2

32

"

60

20

'+ 2

170

38

u

61

20

Zero.

172

32

"

62

22

20

168

32

"

Highest...

+ 4 2

-10

+ 178

+ 32

The record of Canteen "F," covering a period of thirty-four (34) days, is given in
extenso in order to illustrate, practically, the thoroughness with which all tests were
conducted. My tests were not based on any theory. My recommendations have been
based upon the results of numerous tests under varying conditions.

Aluminum and its alloys is such a satisfactory metal to make canteen flasks of if
the metal could be satisfactorily soldered that I part with it with reluctance. The
aluminum manufacturers have not yet, to my knowledge, succeeded in making a canteen
flask that will meet the requirements of the military service.

HISTORY 01' THE MILITARY CANTEEN. 155

A COMPARISON.

THE REGULATION VERSUS THE LAN/ CANTEEN.

Thought was applied and experiments conducted in the U. S.
Army more than a quarter o.f a century ago to the solution of the
question of how to keep water in a tin canteen palatable in a hot
region. It resolved itself into the adoption of the present Regula-
tion Canteen. The formation of judgment regarding a canteen
suitable for military use is slow work. It is easy to arrive at a con-
clusion regarding a device that is merely a receptacle to hold liquids
in for the consumption of tourists, sportsmen, and bicyclists, on a
summer outing. My conclusions are that the Regulation Canteen
fails to secure the benefits of a prolonged evaporative action for as
long a time as the Lanz Canteen does. The Lanz Canteen prevents
rapid changes of temperature of its contents. Its shape and
method of construction, both as regards the metallic flask and its
components, the covers, differ from other canteens. The means,
methods and principles involved, physical, mechanical and rational,
are elsewhere described in this monograph. In cold weather, the
dry felt is an effective non-conductor of heat. In hot weather the
saturated canvas encased cover of all-wool felt applied to the
filled metallic flask continues moist for a number of hours longer
than any other canteen, hence possesses the merit of keeping the
fluid contents cool and rehshable for a maximum period.

A defect of the Regulation Canteen is that it is impracticable
to easily thoroughly saturate the inner felt, or Petersham, cover.
After a little field service, the outer canvas cover accumulates
grease, dirt, etc., to such an extent as to become nearly water-proof,
despite immersion ; hence there is little cooling action by evapora-
tion. Herein one of the advantages of the Lanz Canteen applies,
because it has an openable cover, whereas the Regulation cover is
permanently attached, unless the stitches are cut.

The musket carried by our army during the civil war period,
1861-5, could put an enemy out of action at a range of 600 yards,
but the effective range of the Springfield muzzle-loader was limited
as compared with the Cal. 30 U. S. Magazine Rifle, sheathed pro-
jectile, with which our troops are now armed. The energy and
penetration of the latter at a range in excess of two miles is known.
The determination of the relative merits of the old caliber .45 small
firearm of projection, as compared with the rifle at present in the
hands of our soldiers, should not rest upon the limitations of the
Springfield, but upon the far-reaching powers of the Krag-Jorgenson.

I5 h HISTORY OF T.HK MILITARY CAXTEKtf.

As il is with firearms, so it is with canteens.

For a number of hours, say, six, the Regulation Canteen will,
under ordinary circumstances and moderately uniform temperature,
keep water as cool as the Lanz ; but, after the water absorbed by
the covers of the Regulation Canteen has evaporated and the con-
tents thus begun to rise in temperature, the Lanz Canteen will con-
tinue to keep its contents at a lower, therefore more relishable, tem-
perature than the Regulation Canteen.

for Cant tens. &&rfAt/HCCe . frra.de in for As rube,
, Germany, far/?i3/red fior test 6y the Lowz. Canteen Co.,

Chicago, 111.

A full and impartial consideration of the merits of a canteen
intended for use in the field, during a campaign, or on the march,
cannot be said to have been effected until the canteen has been given
exhaustive tests assimilating to such practical tests as would be given
it by soldiers in any climate, hot or cold.

My official reports show that I have given numerous canteens
these tests in environments of outside temperature varying from
minus ten (10) degrees F. to plus one hundred and twenty-five
(125) degrees F.

My conclusion and recommendation is that the Lanz Canteen
warrants a trial with a view to its adoption in the U '. S. Army.

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

157

Factors to be taken into consideration in the selection of a Can-
teen intended for use in the Military Service.

Aluminum.

' Spun.
Cast.
Pressed.
Stamped.
Welded.
Rolled, or Sheet, Metal.

M \TERIAL

Tin.

Ebonite.

\

Wood.

Enameled Metal.

Tinned "

Galvanized "

^ Other Metals.

/

r Side Pieces, Ears or

Single Piece

*

Construction . .

Loops, attached to flask.

Joined Pieces

Loops attached to Cover.

f Oval

Concave-convex faces

Oblong..

Covex faces.

Gourd

Cylindrical.

Shape

Bottle shaped

Flat.

Circular

One face flat, opposite

I

face curved.

Durability.

Flask <{

\\T i .

CANTEEN -<.

vv eignt.

Capacity.

All-wool Felt.

'

Inside Cover *

Felted Cloth.

Sponge Cloth.

( '.omponents. . . -

Duck, or Canvas.

Outside Cover... 1
'

Any textile fabric.

Leather.

- Mouth Piece.
Stopper.
Chain.
'. Triangles, or Side Pieces.

Queries.

Can air-pressure be utilized in lieu of the inside water-pressure used, as stated by
the Pittsburgh Reduction Co., in shaping spun aluminum canteen flasks?

Will a cast aluminum flask prove as durable as a flask of spun aluminum?

How can triangles, ears, lugs, or rings be substantially fastened at the sides of an
aluminum flask, and thus do away with a strap around the cover?

By what method is the Canteen Flask made?

I5& HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

"Uber Feldflaschen und Kochgeschirre aus Aluminum. 1m Augt-
rage des k. Kriegsministeriums bearbeitet von Dr. Plagge, Stabsarzt,
und Georg Lebbin, Chemiker. (Canteen and cooking utensils of
aluminum. Prepared by direction of the war ministry by Dr.
Plagge, staff surgeon, and George Lebbin, chemist.) 100 pp. Ber-
lin, 1893" :

EXTRACT.

"Three kinds of tests :

(1) Rough, practical usefulness.

(2) Durability, wearing qualities and cost from an eco-
nomical point of view.

(3) Question of hygiene and harmfulness or harmlessness
of aluminum vessels.

. The final result of these tests and trials amount to this : That
neither from a practical nor from an economical point of view
essential arguments against the feasibility of using aluminum field
flasks exist, and that from a sanitary standpoint such flasks can be
utilized without the least hesitation.

* :: # :: * * * # *

Regarding the rough practical usefulness, the question arises
whether or not the taste of the fluid contained in the aluminum
flask is in any way changed. This is not the case. Neither water,
nor coffee, nor water mixed with vinegar; beer, wine, brandy (cog-
nac) and other spirituous liquors, lemonade, etc., show a change
in taste, particularly no after-taste of aluminum, even after the con-
tents had remained in the flask for a week.

Although a change in the taste of the contents of a properly
cleaned aluminum flask does not occur, there are some liquids which
appear to be unsuited to be kept for any length of time in such
flasks. They become cloudy or muddy and cause the formation of
spots or stains. Among them are, as practical tests in the army have
demonstrated, brandy (cognac) which, after only twenty-four
hours' preservation in the flask, particularly in a warm temperature,
caused the formation of peculiar dark brown spots or stains on the
inside of the flask.

In order to determine the nature of the spots, tests were made
with various liquors, i. e., three kinds of cognac, two kinds of
Nordhauser (corn whisky), herb liquor, Dantzig Goldwater and

Kuemmel.

*********

These experiments proved that aluminum flasks are not adapted
for a lengthy preservation of such liquids as cognac, etc., which,

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN. 159

although not losing particularly in taste, lose their appetizing quali-
ties by becoming clouded, the discoloration being caused by loosen-
ing of the stains from the flask and mixing with the liquor.

This, however, hardly impairs the practical usefulness of the
aluminum flask for the army. A soldier generally carries coffee or
water in his flask, not liquor, the latter being, particularly on
marches, at least in the infantry, expressly prohibited.

Of other liquids carried in the flask, coffee, the standard drink
of the marching soldier, should be considered ; but the stains created
by it (amounting to the size of a pin head after 24 hours) are
so inconsiderable that all practical objection will disappear when it
is considered that the coffee, which in itself is not entirely clear,
does not lose its taste and is generally kept in the flask for a much
shorter period.

Another kind of stains of whitish color in aluminum field flasks
must be considered. They are caused by leaving water standing
quiet in an aluminum vessel for any length of time.

Although the resistance of the metal to the action of the water,
and especially of distilled w 7 ater, is undoubted, yet weak solutions of
salt, which are contained in most of our drinking waters, bring
about the above mentioned phenomenon, after the water has
remained in the vessels for hours.

These stains resemble the brandy stains to a great extent, but
are of a lighter color, being yellowish-white, and feel firm and
sandy, while the cognac stains are of an even, loose or spongy
nature.

Those whitish stains also appear much slower, generally not
after several days.

*********

So far as the question of economy is concerned, it is to be em-
phasized that the aluminum field flasks during these many and
varied tests and experiments, continued for months, including their
being placed in incubators and shaking apparatus (the latter imi-
tating the movement of a marching soldier), have shown them-
selves as very durable and strong, and that a leakage has never
occurred. Whether, in this respect, they will satisfy the demands
of field service, can only be demonstrated by practical carrying tests.
As the softness of the metal facilitates a possibility of damage
to the flask, it is a matter of importance that lately a number of
sure methods of soldering aluminum have been found, which process,
as is well known, was not quite successful at first."

I6O HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

The Patton Paint Company, Milwaukee, Wis., (see p. 104),
writes : "We have come to a point now where we desire to get hold
of the canteen itself made of wood and will ask you to inform us
whether you know of such a canteen already made up. If not, we
shall be obliged to have a few made by some wood working com-
pany, as we are now ready to give the paint a test on the canteen
as it will be used in service."

The Griswold Manufacturing, Company, Erie, Pa., (see pp.
48-9), writes as follows: "In reply to yours in regard to the can-
teen, would say, we had to make several changes in our pattern,
which delayed us in getting out the sample. We have this all fin-
ished, so we will be able to make castings to-day or to-morrow, and
expect to be able to send you sample for your test the very first of
next week. We trust this will not be too late, and that you will
hold your tests open so you can include our sample in the same.
We know we can be successful in making a cast canteen all in one
piece, which would certainly be much stronger than the sheet alum-
inum one, and there will be no rivets projecting through, which are
weak points, as it soon corrodes around the rivets. We shall cast
a lug on the outside on which to fasten the ring for the strap.
Trusting you can, therefore, hold the tests open, and assuring you
we will send sample in a very few days, we remain," etc.

Hermann, Schutte & Co., Importers and General Commission
Merchants, 24 and 26 W. 4th St., New York, write as follows :

"One of our friends called our attention to your article in the
Aluminum World of March, 1901. We understand from this that
you take great interest in aluminum articles, especially canteens for
the U. S. Army, and as we represent the largest manufacturer in
the world who makes a specialty of aluminum canteens and cook-
ing utensils for military purposes, having supplied all the European
armies and still supplying them with all they need in this line, we
are sure we could give you some valuable information and success-
fully compete with any manufacturer in this line of goods. We
would be only too pleased to furnish you with "samples which you
might test and also with lowest quotations, if you will have the
kindness to inform us what you may need to make your test, and
also give you any other information which might possibly interest
you and which we are in a position to furnish."

The above mentioned firm Messrs. Hormann, Schutte & Co.
again write : "We confirm our previous letter and have taken tin-

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN. l6l

liberty of sending you a sample of an aluminum canteen, which we
just this moment received from our manufacturer.

'This canteen has heen drawn and pressed out of one solid piece
of pure aluminum plate, 99 per cent pure aluminum.

"The mouthpiece consists of two pressed parts to give strength
to the neck.

"In case that this canteen should, in your opinion, not have resist-
ance enough, it is easy for the manufacturer to make them out of a
heavier plate with a thicker wall.

"The size, shape, etc., the manufacturer would be willing to make
absolutely in accordance with your instructions.

"Kindly test this canteen thoroughly and see whether the same
would come in every respect up to your expectation and answer your
purpose thoroughly.

"We would be much obliged to hear from you."

Messrs. Herm. Weissenburger & Co., Cannstatt a. Necker
write as follows : "We thank you for your kind favor of loth
instant, but not seeing our way to compete successfully with the
U. S. manufacturers on account of heavy duty, we have decided to
keep back, although the order would suit us very well.

"We have invented a new helmet, a combination of Aluminum,
leather and Pegamoid, light and rigid, perhaps with this article,
which we can protect in the U. S., we shall have better luck. We
shall send you a sample later."

The Griswold Manufacturing Company, Erie, Pa., (see also pre-
ceding pages 48-9 and 87), write again: "We are shipping you by
American Express today, prepaid, sample of cast Aluminum flask.
We are sending you this flask without any cork, as we were in a
great hurry to ship it to you. Did not have time to make the metal
trimmings and chain that you would require on the cork. These
small details we can easily fix any requirements you would want.

"This flask was tested with water pressure of 50 pounds to the
square inch. It stood the test all right, except we bent out the flat
side slightly. Would say, this flat side is a little thinner than the
other.

"This flask was cast from just a wooden pattern and wood core
box. It is difficult to hold the core exactly true. If we should
make them we would use metal patterns and core boxes, and fit
up so they would come exact even thickness, and we hope then to
get them a trifle lighter.

l62 HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

"Of course, we understand the flasks would have to be furnished
with felt or cloth covering, we presume also the chains and straps,
but our idea in sending you this bare sample is to get your opinion
whether a cast flask is practical, and if there would be any chance
of it being adopted. If so, we stand ready to go ahead at once and
get up a more perfect sample, equipped with all details, coverings, etc.

"This flask, of course, is heavier than one made of sheet alumi-
num, and we did not know but the weight would be against it. On
the other hand, it is a good deal stronger, and there are no rivets
through the same where the chains are fastened on, which is a very
weak point on a sheet aluminum flask, as the water will immediately
begin to corrode around the rivet heads.

"Also, there are no joints or soldered places in the flask. We
trust this will reach you in time for you to include it in your report,
and we await with interest your reply.

"We stand ready to make any changes, and to furnish you with
completely fitted up sample, as you may request.

"We also believe this flask is a little larger than the regulation
requirements."

The Indian Aluminum Company, Limited, Madras, British In-
dia, (see page 77), writes again as follows: "Since the dispatch of
our letter of the 2ist ultimo, we have received the copy of the
Aluminum World for March and have read with much interest your
letter, wherein we note that the articles submitted to you for test
are experimented with until they are practically destroyed. We
cannot claim that our water bottles are indestructible, but we cor-
dially invite the severest test and we feel sure that in the matter of
strength and durability our goods will compare most favorably
with those manufactured anywhere else. We also note your sugges-
tion that naked flasks should not be sent to you, but here we would
point out that any covering that we could put on them would have
to be imported by us, and this would materially add to the cost,
whereas should you decide to place an order with us we have no
doubt that some firm in America would undertake the cover with
material to be approved of by you. As it has occurred to us that the
sample we sent you was rather small, we are now sending you a
second bottle, to contain three pints."

The real way to find out the merits of a canteen is to carry it
and depend upon it for the fluids that you drink.

The man who carries the canteen is usuallv indfferent as to its

HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN. 163

material or construction and ignorant as to its theories, principles,
or components. He is a judge of results, though, just as a marks-
man knows what the effectiveness of his rifle is, when he has become
accustomed to the practical use of the firearm. The average man is
more interested in what the canteen does than in what it is. He
has no reliable means of proving what it is, but he needs no advice
to tell him what it does. He makes no experiments or comparative
tests ; he has no opportunity to do so. He accepts the canteen issued
to him as the best type and product of its class. He knows that
water from the Regulation Canteen may be usable without being
relishable or palatable. If given a chance to test the Regulation
Canteen with the Lanz Canteen, it is believed the veteran would
pronounce the latter a success. Until the arc-electric or incandes-
cent electric lights came we. never knew what flying animals were
in the air, but we then found myriads of strange bugs immolated
beneath the lights. Just as illuminating gas was superseded by the
electric light, an improvement is demanded in the shape, construc-
tion and material of the Regulation Canteen.

There are two ways in which to fully and impartially consider
the merits of any article of equipment intended for a soldier's use.

One preliminary way is to master in a workmanlike wise the
practical details of its materials, construction, and principles in-
volved.

The other way is to assume in postulatory kind of wise that
certain results will follow a certain theory or conception.

But these reasoning processes or conclusions are sometimes
proved untenable, or erroneous, by practical demonstrations. When
these presumed conclusions are upset by the results of practical
test, experiment or trial, the winner is entitled to the benefit. In
these canteen tests something more than tentative methods have
been practised. Every canteen has been placed on trial, and judg-
ment and recommendations succeeded, not preceded, the trial. The
conclusion is that the Lanz method is the best type for the military
service. An opinion to the contrary expressed by any one who
has not practically and thoroughly tested all of the devices, but
entrenches himself behind an opinion as a fortress, is not entitled to
weight.

Human labor cannot supply what nature has denied, but can
simulate it. A good canteen is a necessity for which a soldier in
the field would willingly exchange such luxuries in life as clothing,
tobacco and solid food particularly if he is a hunter who has

164 HISTORY OF THE MILITARY CANTEEN.

drank from cool springs of icy water hidden away in dark crevices
in glades where shadows are never broken by the sun.

The ways in which the Regulation Canteen may be made the
vehicle for the transportation of an impure water supply are shown,
in part, in the quoted letter from Mr. Joseph A. Steinmetz.

Outbreaks of malarial fever have followed the use of impure
water. The Regulation Canteen aids .to spread infection, because,
as a water carrier, it can carry the germs of fever., and because of
the practical impossibility of sterilizing its contents by the soldier in
the field.

The substitution of a canteen differing in material, construction
and shape, would partly obviate these dangers.

The Patton Paint Company, Milwaukee, Wis., (see p. 104),
writes again as follows: "Canteens of wood, if they can be
rendered absolutely impervious to w 7 ater and so treated that they
will give no taste to liquids which they hold, will be found more
satisfactory than canteens made of metal or of any composition
which would be practicable for service.

"We are conducting a series of experiments which lead us to be-
lieve that we have found a process of treating wood in such a way
that a canteen turned out of a solid block can be coated on the inside
with our special preservative paint and will resist the action of water,
tea and coffee, giving no taste, and holding at an equable tempera-
ture any liquid which a soldier would be using in active service.

"These experiments, while they convince us of the possibility of
fulfilling all the conditions to be met in actual use, will need some
six months longer to enable us to guarantee the permanency of re-
sults which must be obtained if we are to back our statements with
the reputation of the Patton Paint Company.

"The advantages of wood for holding water are obvious. Wood
is among the best non-conductors of heat. It is stiff and hard, hav-
ing considerable strength for resisting strains, blows and jars, with
sufficient elasticity to resume its shape after undergoing almost any
treatment but that of being crushed or broken.

"In tropical climates wood canteens will be found to keep the
water and other potable liquids at a lower temperature for a longer
time than tin, iron, or any other metal (whether enameled or other-
wise).

"In resistance to cold, wood' has equally high efficiency. It will
withstand the freezing temperature better than any other substance
of which canteens could be made.

"The only objection to the use of wood for making canteens is

HISTORY OK THK .UIUTARY CAXTEEN. 165

lliat it is affected by the liquids that it contains. All liquids contain-
ing water permeate the pores of natural wood and under this influ-
ence the fibers rapidly undergo deterioration. The wood decom-
poses slightly if it has no chance to dry out and soon begins to
taste cf organic matter. After continued use, unless it is frequently
washed and sterilized, the taste of the liquid contained becomes so
unpalatable and the odor so unbearable that the wooden vessel must
be discarded. -

"In the special paint which we are making for covering the inside
of wood canteens w^e claim that we have obviated all the difficulties
which could be urged against the making of canteens from wood,
and that we have retained all the advantages of the wood canteen
and also those of an iron canteen which is enameled.

"The wood with changes of temperature will not expand and
contract as iron does, to the extent of chipping and cracking the
coating.

"In other respects the wood canteen, with inside coating of our
enamel paint specially prepared for this purpose, will answer all the
requirements of an enameled metal canteen and will at the same
time preserve all the advantages of the old-time wooden vessel.

"This paint will be found to be absolutely impervious to water.
Tea and coffee will not affect it, and liquids used in it will not taste
as they would of an ordinary paint. A beverage containing a small
amount of alcohol will do it no harm. The paint will stand any
temperature from 150 degrees F. to far below the freezing point.
The paint which we have recommended for this purpose we have
carefully prepared to withstand any possible changes to which a
canteen would be subject in the army service, from Arctic to tropical
climates.

"Hot tea and coffee could be poured into this canteen and would
not affect it adversely unless kept for a long time at a temperature
exceeding 150 degrees.

"In fact, where a soldier can stand the exposure, either to heat
or cold, this canteen can be used, we believe, with perfect satisfac-
tion.

"We shall be glad, if this matter is taken up in future, to submit
to yon the results of our experiments in this line, and shall hope to
see the wooden canteen adopted in the United States Army."

Mr. E. Dederick, of 2016 Cherry St., Milwaukee, Wis., writes:
"I read in the Milwaukee Sentinel that you are trying to arrange
for a preparation for lining the inside of a wooden canteen. I have
a preparation which when applied either to wood or iron forms a

l66 HISTORY OF Till: 'MILITARY CANTEEN.

coating like stone; this can be made any color except white; its
natural color is slate. I have it in refrigerator boxes, where it has
been used for the last seven years and is as good now as when
first put on. It can be used for a great many things : covering for
refrigerator pipes, to keep them from corroding; lining between
double floors to keep them from leaking ; also on vats that are liable
to leak a coating of this does the business.

"If this should interest you, if you write me I will send you some
samples on wood and iron and you can test them/'

The Patton Paint Company, of Milwaukee, Wis., writes again
as follows : "The basis of my argument in favor of the paint which
we recommend for wood canteens rests upon the fact that the paint
is applied to wood rather than to any metal surface. If the same
paint were applied to metal, it would act in much the same way as
enameled metal-ware acts. It would chip, crack and scale with the
expansion and shrinkage of the metallic surface upon which the.
enamel is baked.

"The great weakness of all enameled metal-ware is the fact that
the enamel is applied to a substance which has a much larger co-
efriciency of expansion than a substance which, like wood, is com-
posed of fibers brought together and amalgamated under the law of
growth and which has therefore intercellular spaces which take up
the larger portion of motion that would ensue upon expansion of the
fibers and therefore expand, when they do so, more slowly than the
metal, which, from its lack of intercellular spaces, must at once yield
to the force acting upon it in either enlarging or reducing the
molecular orbit.

"The immediate result of the chipping and cracking of the en-
amel is that the liquid is admitted to immediate action upon the
metal, which oxidizes and permits still further disintegration of the
enamel, which in this way starts the process of undermining the
enamel covering, so that chips are set free and small and large
quantities are allowed to escape with the water, to be swallowed by
the soldier.

"Serious trouble could arise in the way of poisoning if the enamel
were composed, as is frequently the case, of white lead, which is
more or less soluble, and which might easily affect the soldier, inde-
pendent of the swallowing of small particles or chips loosened from
the enamel covering.

"The excessive weight of enameled metal as compared with can-
teens made from wood, aluminum or tin, does not come so much from

HISTORY OF THE M.IL1TARV CANTEEN. l6/

the enamel itself, as from the weight of the metal upun which it is
super-imposed."

1 am indebted to the Western Felt Works, 787 to 797 South
Canal St., Chicago, Ills., for the formula and the process methods
of a test for determining the amount of wool in felt, or any wool,
or part wool, fabric.

It should be known to every inspector of covered canteen flasks,
or of woolen clothing or material furnished for the use of the com-
batant land or naval forces of the United States.

In courtesy to the company the test cannot here be given.

Sponge belongs to the vegetable kingdom. Mixed with an ani-
mal product wool the resultant compound sponge-felt may be
open to some objections ; perhaps resembling those found, prac-
tically, by the French navy when cellulose, composed of the ground
fibre of the cocoanut, was tried, in compressed form briquettes
to close the openings made and prevent the inflow of water, even
if penetrated by projectiles the protection of buoyancy method,
so called.

As sponge grows in the water, and is used wet, it is at its best
when wet ; should be offered for sale wet. Sponges, when dry, are
hard, rough and easily torn ; when wet, sponges are much less easily
torn. The difference between sponge and fish-glue and gelatine
in dried and soaked state applies to sponges.

The strongest sponge is easily torn by pulling across the grain.
The fair test is with the grain everything has a grain. Wooden
columns support buildings when placed with, or along, the grain, but
wood across the grain can easily be broken.

'WE'VE DRUNK FROM THE SAME CANTEEN.
BY MILES O'REILLY.

There are bonds of all sorts in this world of ours :
Fetters 'of friendship, and ties of flowers,

And true lovers' knots, I ween.
The boy and the girl are bound by a kiss,
But there's never a bond, old friend, like this,

We have drunk from the same canteen.

CHORUS.
The same canteen, my soldier friend,

The same canteen;
There's never a bond, old friend, like this,

We have drunk from the same canteen.

l68 HISTORY OF TIN-: MILITARY ( "ANTEEN.

It was sometimes \\UUT, and sumctiincs milk,
SomctiiiK's apple-jack, fine as silk:

lint whatever the tipple has been,
\Ye shared it together in bane or bliss,
And I warm to yon, friend, when I think of this,

\Ye have drunk from the same canteen.

The rich and the great sit down to dine,
And quaff to each other in sparkling wine.

From glasses of crystal and green ;
But I guess in their golden potations they miss
The warmth of regard to be found in this,

We have drunk from the same canteen.

We've shared our blankets and tent together,
And marched, and fought, in all kinds of weather,

And hungry, and full, we've been.
Had days of battle, and days of rest,
But this mem'ry I cling to, and love the best,

We have drunk from the same canteen.

For when wounded I lay on the outer slope,
With my blood flowing fast, and with little hope,

On which my faint spirit might lean,
Oh, then I remember, you crawl'd to my side,
And bleeding so fast, it seemed both must have died,

We drunk from the same canteen.

Upon the recommendation of the Inspector General, U. S.
Army, the publication of the foregoing report was authorized by
the Honorable, the Secretary of War, under date of 27th April, TQOT.

Lieut. -Colonel & Inspector General, U. S. V

(Major 4th U. S. Infantry),
Inspector General, Dept Dakota.

YC 03038